Long-time followers of the blog have probably seen us write about the ever cool and aloof Missy. She doesn’t mind the humans, but we don’t really serve a purpose for her outside of her daily needs and she usually prefers the company of her best friend, Annie, and chimp family. And she has places to go and things to do. That’s the beauty of choice.
The chimps have been here for nearly 9 years now and it’s really only been in the last couple of years that we have seen Missy take more of an occasional interest in engaging with the humans. For example, it’s becoming more common for Missy to ask us to groom her or engage in a game of tug o’ war. And as Missy’s partner in Positive Reinforcement Training (PRT) I have definitely seen an increase in her excitement upon seeing the humans and her taking the initiative to engage us in a game of chase, just for the sake of play (as opposed to just brilliantly leading the humans to do her bidding like picking something from the garden or opening the barn doors up for her).
Missy is not a particular fan of having her photo taken (I can relate). But today she came up and sat next to me at the caging and just hung out. I always ask the chimps before I take their photo, which I did with Missy, and this is typically where she turns her back to the camera or takes off. But she tolerated me and the camera in her face and graced me with one, fleeting nano second of eye contact with those beautiful eyes. What a gift for us all. Then she pushed her lemon peel out at me, nodded her head, and took off for a game of chase.
Ellen McNally says
Katelyn, just goes to show you what patience and love can do. It’s obvious Annie loves you after all these years. Thanks you for everything you do for her. These are beautiful pictures.
Di DeBerry says
Missy is oh so lovely…<3
Kathleen says
Missy was the first chimp to catch my eye. Maybe because she was easily recognizable with her freckled face and athletic build, and the fact that she was always zooming about. Missy is spectacular. Your photos are outstanding but the one where you were gifted with her full engagement and eye contact — priceless! That photo is proof of Missy’s appreciation for your friendship and love. Lucky, lucky you.
Donna Oleksiuk says
A lovely story, Katelyn. It seems every day brings new events and developments with the chimps. You are so lucky to witness their evolution now they are safe with you at Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest. THANK YOU FOR LOVING THEM AND TAKING SUCH GOOD CARE OF THEM !!!! 🙂 <3
Jo says
You made good use of her generosity and got AB FAB pix!!!!! Really appreciate your effort and care and love of all of them! Hugs to you all!
Arlene and Michael says
Katelyn, I love that you ask the chimps before you take their photos. That is another example of the respect that they are given now. I have wondered, as I read the blogs, if the chimps are aware of your being there with the camera. I imagine sometimes they don’t know if you are photographing them from far, but it is beautiful that you are willing to ask first when they are so close:)
Katelyn says
Hi Arlene,
I guess I always imagine how I might feel in the reverse. I’d be so annoyed haha! Or maybe I’m just projecting my general distaste for having my photo taken. 😉 But like us, some of the chimps seem to enjoy it much more than others. And many want to see the images we take (Jamie and Foxie, especially).
I’m pretty sure that nothing gets by the chimps! They know when we just ate something, if we are wearing new clothing or jewelry, our moods, and where we are at all times. I would say for the most part, even when they are busy on Young’s Hill, they are aware when we have the camera out. Often times I will go to photograph someone on top of a structure, a good distance away and when they see the camera they will turn their backs (Annie and Missy!). But I’m so glad they have the choice to opt out when they want.
Arlene and Michael says
Thank you Katelyn for that insight. I am sure if I were there it would be easier to understand how the chimps interact with and react to you and what you are doing. It must be so amazing to be part of their lives. The photographs and stories you provide are so helpful and appreciated:)
Katelyn says
Thanks, everyone! We so rarely get to capture Missy’s soulful beauty up close and I’m so glad we could share a glimpse with you all. Each supporter makes so much possible for the chimps and we’re so grateful to you.
Althea says
Missy’s beautiful gaze penetrate my soul.
Peggy Smith says
These are very beautiful photos. The last one is breathtaking.