As a rule, Negra does not like to be touched by humans. For over three decades, Negra lived in a research laboratory where human touch was usually painful or scary. Sometimes she seeks out touch from her caregivers at the sanctuary by pressing her back against the caging for a little massage, only to panic and threat bark at us when we actually make contact. Some of her anxiety in this area seems to have subsided over the years, but still, we are always a little amazed (and a lot honored) when she allows us to touch her.
Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
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That is so awesome !!
With enough love and time she’s learning to trust again.
I wish I could take away her hurt. Thank you for your tender caring touch, amazing to know she is opening up a little more with each passing year at CSNW. (My heart went ‘pang!’ when I read this blog. I love Negra, just look at that droopy-lip face of hers, sigh……And I love seeing the back of her lovely head.)
This post touched my heart. It’s heartbreaking to think how this sweet soul and the other chimps have suffered in the past. Thank you for surrounding them with love, peace and comfort.
Such wonderful proof of what you caretakers have achieved — I didn’t want the video to end.
They have made such wonderful progress with all of you at the Sanctuary. Thank you for all that you do. The video is so sweet especially when you know her history.