We are privileged to witness so many moments in the chimps’ lives. Moments of courage, contentment, moxie, joy, adventure, anger, fear, curiosity, love…the list goes on. And many, many moments of endearment. They’re fleeting and it brings to mind things like incredible sunsets that happen every day whether or not we’re paying attention, but for a few indescribable seconds they make your heart soar and your eyes pop if you happen to turn your head that way.
I’m notorious for lamenting, feeling utterly blue over the thought of how many beautiful seconds in nature I miss. But I can’t help but feel just as grateful for the moments seen in the chimps’ lives as for those gone unseen. Why? Because it makes me happy to think we don’t know everything their days entail, every special moment they might have with one another or on their own. It gives me hope that they feel a sense of autonomy, some sense of agency over their lives without the humans being privy to it all.
And those moments we do get to share in, even when they’re a blur…so grateful.
Foxie kissing her doll:
Sandie Allaway says
My heart just soars reading your posts and seeing pictures. I can’t begin to comprehend the depths of how you all feel knowing how intensely loving I feel.
Katelyn says
It makes us so happy knowing all the love that surrounds these seven amazing people. It’s incredible, really. Thank you for being part of that, Sandie.
JoAnn Lathrop says
Beautiful and thank you so much for sharing everything you guys share! Makes me so happy to read your posts every day!! Hugs and love to you all…
Katelyn says
Thank you for always being here to follow the chimps’ lives, JoAnn! We appreciate your love for them!
Kathleen says
Oh Katelyn, I too feel almost desperate to drink in all the beauty this world holds. SO many places I want to visit, SO many species to see in their natural surroundings, smells, sights, and sounds I want to explore, and still SO much I need to read and learn about chimpanzees. : )
I am often asked by friends to explain what exactly sanctuary means to the chimps, what is it like. You just gave me the most lovely answer. It’s a place of hope, of choice, a place of friendship and family. A place where those who care for and deeply love the chimps “hope that they feel a sense of autonomy, some sense of agency over their lives without the humans being privy to it all.”
Seeing the chimps through your eyes is nothing short of sheer magic. Making me almost feel as if I am there everyday. Thank you.
Katelyn says
Oh yes, I understand all of that completely! Thank you for your kind words, Kathleen, and for being here every day – because you truly are.
Linda says
Just one small jump from “Foxie” to “Moxie”……these pics of one of (if not THE) most favorite of lady chimps are both amazing! I was asking in another post if Jamie hates being photographed, because sometimes it does seem as though the person with the camera is interrupting her or intruding on her.(Still glad that you get to do it, and share them with us, though!)
Katelyn says
Linda, yes, it’s true that Jamie doesn’t always appreciate being photographed, particularly when she is engaging in an activity we find interesting or unique. For that matter, she doesn’t always appreciate us acknowledging her activities in general. I’m not in her head of course, but I would imagine after serving her childhood in human entertainment, she may understandably be sensitive in interpreting our interest. She probably also just wants us to mind our own beeswax! We all try to respect the chimps’ privacy and comfort level with having their photo taken at any given time and usually ask their permission. As imagined, Jamie is quick to let you know her preference. In regard to the photos you mentioned of her on the swinging bridge, she was watching me because we were on a walk and we humans have a strict protocol to follow in that we must wait for her exactly where she deposits us while she goes off to do whatever she needs to do until she returns to resume walking. Just making sure I was doing what I was supposed to be doing! 🙂
Merle R says
The eyes tell it all!
louise Manson says
Thank you so much, not just for the pictures, but also for your spiritual and insightful way that you see the Chimps. Your reflection today speaks to me also as I miss so much that Nature/God puts before us to see and bathe ourselves in. Thanks for that reminder. Sr. Louise
Katelyn says
Thank you for your kind thoughts, Sr. Louise. The chimps are amazing mirrors for us all. We’re so happy to have you following their lives.
Roz Behan says
I love your photos and seeing one of my favorite Foxie. seeing foxy
Cam Bogan says
This is lovely. Thank you. ?