One of the best, most fun aspects of working with chimpanzees is seeing them express themselves in a new way or gain new interests over time. For example, Foxie was originally the “Troll doll Queen” and in the more recent years, she expanded her love to Strawberry Shortcake and Dora the Explorer dolls.
Foxie with Troll doll
Foxie with two newer dolls
In the past, Negra has occasionally carried a doll from time to time. However, nothing ever consistent like Foxie with her dolls, Burrito with his blocks, or Jamie with her boots and books. Until recently. Ever since June 1st (yes, I checked our staff chat where we document things for an exact date), Negra has carried a doll or a plush toy nearly every single day. Thankfully, because of Foxie, we have hundreds of dolls in our collection and Foxie has not seemed to care that Negra has taken a special liking to dolls as well.
While we will never know for sure what switched in Negra to make her start consistently wanting to do this, we are all appreciating this season of Negra being a “doll mom”. Whether it be forever or temporary, that is up to her. Neggie is at sanctuary and she determines how she lives her life.
As you will see, I have collected many photos from staff and volunteers featuring Negra and her “babies”. It’s only been five weeks of Negra consistently doing this and we have plenty of photos to show our human excitement.
Apologies for any lower quality shots as every single one is a phone picture.
Negra with a blonde doll – Photos by Sofia
Negra with a red haired doll in her pelvic pocket – Photos by Anna
Negra with a plush tomato – Photos by Diana
Negra with a blue haired doll in her pelvic pocket – Photo by Kelsi
Negra with a troll doll in her pelvic pocket
Negra’s stuffed Eeyore she often chooses
Eeyore in Negra’s pelvic pocket
Negra’s two dolls she carried around this morning
Negra with twin dolls
Negra holding a Dora the Explorer doll – Photo by Krissy
Are these dolls from the “community source” and all have access to them…?
We give out dolls in our daily enrichment baskets for every area on Jamie’s group side. So grabbing them is Neggie’s choosing, but all of her group members has access to them.
First of all, the pictures are great. Now, I wonder what can be going through Neggie’s mind with her new interest in dolls. Whatever it is she looks adorable!!
So adorable!
Oh, how sweet! And the pictures are wonderful! So happy seeing Negra finding something to make her happy.
My first thought on hearing of this fairly new development is perhaps it has something to do with Jody’s passing. Like a reminder of her or a security blanket type thing. Whatever the reason, it is nice to see her doing something outside of the ordinary after so many years. It just goes to show how all of our interests change and expand over time.
Hi Cindee, I didn’t read your comment until after I posted but my thoughts matched yours. It is sweet, isn’t it, no matter the reason.
When this was first mentioned the other day, my instant thought was Jody.
Jody used to take one to bed with her sometimes, right?
I’m sure Fox doesn’t mind sharing, but man, French Dora and Orange Blossom….those are Foxie’s favs!
Somehow, Negra choosing Eeyore tracks…almost as though she could feel his energy :slight_smile:
Oh …….Linda C you are a Teasure Trove of Information…..:grin:…… I just looked her up she is Cutie…. I see she has some International Friends:smirk:
Yes, a few yrs ago, Foxie’s friends were running in short supply on Amazon, so they asked us to help stock up. So I did. Chinese Dora almost gave French Dora a run for her money, but Russian Dora never stood a chance :sweat_smile:
:rofl:
Darling Negra. Always surprising us. This will sound silly, but my first thought was maybe it has something to do with loosing Jody. A need for a little extra security or companionship. What ever Negra’s reason, we’ll never know but it brings me great joy seeing these photos, especially Eeyore. And the big red tomato with her lettuce!
I thought the same thing Cindee……Oh the Loss she must feel losing Jody…. especially when I read that they were both paired up at times- as breeders. ……must also bring to mind the loss of her Children…… and it’s Ironic she was paired up with Foxy as well….So Sad …..When you lose someone you Love those who remain are cherished in a Whole New Way- time is Fleeting. ….And They Know*******…..It’s so Nice and Refreshing to see her interact more…… go Outside and Embrace All those little Joys that come with being Together …… We Love ALL OUR CHIMPS:kissing_heart:… I just Know Foxy will share her dolls with Negra.:face_with_monocle::grin:… Oh the LOVE OF FAMILY..:rose:.. ….BIRTHDAY NEXT MONTH!!!!…..All New Doll’s Foxie!!!!:grin:AND……. Neggie!!!!!!!
I’ve had the same speculation, Paulette. I have been especially concerned about Neggie in light of her den mother’s death. We all process grief in different ways.
I remember once Chad writing a Blog where he talked about Dora embracing a picture of Maeve….. that she found on the steps ….even though Maeve was just a few feet away and I always wondered if they had a picture of Jody that while there might be sorrow in her loss ….it might give them a sense of peace to look upon her face …..as we would looking upon the face of our parents or someone in our Lives who we loved and lost
Maybe… that would be their Newfound treasure
I love how they carry them around in their pelvic pocket!! So sweet!