After all the constant change and unexpected events of the past few months, today I’m grateful for all the little signs of normalcy returning for many of the chimpanzees. All the live long day not one chimpanzee person offered to sit still for the camera for a proper photo. But as much as I love to share their beautiful selves, them getting back into small snippets of their routines, enjoying their lives, having more easeful days, I care more about that than their photos.
Things like Foxie tossing a troll down from the loft and asking a caregiver to play chase up and down the human hallway while she raced back and forth above. Or spinning in pirouettes throughout the loft – I haven’t seen one of her patented Foxie spins in a long time – she’s had other things on her mind. Or Missy, asking a caregiver to brush her hair while she sits atop a barrel against the caging, warming up after a brisk gallop around Young’s Hill. Mave, Honey B and Willy B asking for kisses in the excitement of mealtime. I can’t say this is or isn’t “routine” for them as we’re still getting to know them, but I still take it as a sign of happiness from them. Or Mave low-moaning in happiness up in the mezzanine when I toss up extra blankets warm from the dryer at bedtime. Then there was Annie running over to greet caregivers and asking to groom their toes (Annie LOVES human toes). Jamie being back to asking for her cowboy boots at bedtime. Jody (!!) swinging from a firehose while she play-kicked her friends below. Negra clapping and using salty chimp language in demand for her meals which outside of her amazing nests, she pretty much lives for. Even our beloved Burrito, though he’s busy working hard on healing, giving the sweetest laugh to a caregiver, grooming with his chimp lady friends, and closing his eyes in sleepiness and calm while I knuckle-rubbed the top of his head as he lay next to me pressing it against the caging. Or ending the day with all ten of the chimpanzees giving long and hearty nest grunts goodnight in response to lights out and “Goodnight everybody, we love you.” It’s these little things I’m most grateful for today and always. Because these little things are indicative of such big things. The things I hold most dear to my heart. The chimps’ hearts and happiness, contentment and well-being.
All I managed to capture today was Missy from afar, enjoying her lunchtime chow as she sat suspended in a sunbeam while balancing on a firehose in the middle of the playroom. Such a wonderful Missy thing to do:
Thank you for this wonderful post!
Oh, you put the blankets in the dryer for them! D’aw!
I’m missing Foxie spins, too! Thank God for YouTube! Have a restful night, Katelyn.
Some days I reckon just the post of words is just meant to be and you all describe. Much gratitude for the update Katelyn! Sending healing vibes to all.
Thank you for the updates!! I so look forward to them! I was on vacation last week and couldn’t wait to get home and catch up on these!! I am so thrilled they are healing and getting better!
Thank you for this update.Glad the chimps are getting their routines back.I love how you say We love you as lights are out.i do the same with my 2 bunny boys, Rocko Luv& Cosmo Kramer.i say night night.i love you!See you in the morning.Tonight I will say goodnight to the chimps too!
I give thanks everyday for the love these caregivers show these wonderful creatures. I also give thanks for all the Chimp friends I have gotten to know. My extended [chimp] family has grown and I love them all. I do have a closeness to Burrito, tho. Maybe it’s because we share the same birthday, Jan. 6.
You painted such a vivid picture with your words, it almost felt like I spent the day with them too! Thank you for that! Goodnight to all of you!
Such a Beautiful, Loving blog. Thank you for sharing
Absolutely fabo post and I enjoyed each and every word!! Vivid pictures were shooting in front of my mind’s eye!! Thank you so much! I think disruption helps us to appreciate the little things, and you are right on with your comments!! Love and hugs to you all….
Truly a lovely descriptive post…. it is beautiful. We all wish you (all) more days of peace and relaxation. Thank you.. as always!
I so look forward to your daily post. You paint a vivid, loving, beautiful picture with your words. Does Negra still love her Night Bags?
Your words danced across my heart! Thank you for this cheery, poetic post. Yes, it’s the little things that count.
You do have such an artistic way with words, Katelyn. I felt quite relaxed as I mentally surveyed the Sanctuary’s denizens through your eyes. Thank you. 🙂
We absolutely love these postings. It is so wonderful they are assimilating so well. Thanks for all the love and care you take of them.
All I can say is [big red shining heart] for all of you, human and chimp.
All I can say is [big red shining heart] for all of you, human and chimp.
I so love following these most beautiful beings and hope that someday I can see them from afar. thanks so much for their stories. I feel myself getting attached more and more each day. thank you. heartwarming.
Oh I’m loving all of this as well. Especially how the young and old love their care givers , the best friends and mamas with their darling babies and all the beautiful orphaned babies, shell shocked babies that have seen horror but with so much love are able to make friends with humans after their catastrophic losses. They are all beautiful, chimps and men and women and this incredible circle of love . I love the many personalities so intertwined. Thank-you so much and I look forward
Soooooooo Sweet
Pictures were not really needed as your well-written words were so descriptive it was like a movie screen behind my eyes. It’s good to hear things are getting back to normal and I hope all the caretakers will be able to get a bit of rest over the Thanksgiving holiday. Though I suspect several will be at the Sanctuary as if it were just another day. Happy thanksgiving all you wonderful people.
Thanks for such a wonderful update! I’m glad the chimps are settling back to a calmer state. I hope they can embrace this change and be friends. Thank you and your team for all that you do, and I hope you get some rest!
This brings happy tears to my eyes and heart. Thank you for this, Dear Ones!
So heartening. xoxoxo
Thank you for such a uplifting and sweet post today Katelyn.
Katelyn, your words are worth a thousand pictures. What a heartening post to read.