Katelyn’s blog post yesterday perfectly previewed the month of June, which is full of celebrations!
I just happened to get a couple of blog-worthy videos of twin-birthday-chimpanzees Negra and Terry and thought I would combine them into one post (not to overlook Dora and Honey B’s special days coming up even sooner).
I have also been thinking about all that goes into caregiving lately, and how it is easy to forget the thousands of ways that we can and do contribute to the well being of those in our care. So, I asked the volunteers and staff yesterday to think about a moment in their day that stood out or an overall observation of how they helped fulfill the mission of the sanctuary and to write it down for me.
The themes that emerged were: contributing to a larger team effort, being a positive influence and presence for others (humans and chimpanzees), providing the chimps with comfort (like making sure the chimps have clean blankets), and doing something extra for an individual chimpanzee (for example, making Burrito belly laugh at breakfast or putting together special “surprise box” enrichment for George).
I loved learning what caregivers noticed about the important ways they contributed to the sanctuary in a given day.
What really got me thinking about all of this was watching Negra react to Elizabeth, as captured in the video.
At the time, Elizabeth didn’t know I was above watching (and filming) thinking to myself, “how incredibly lovely is it that Negra has friends like Elizabeth who will dance for her?!”
And how lovely it is that the sanctuary has you all reading this and watching the video?! ❤️
Thank you, Diana.
It was adorable the other day, and more so now. A little like Neggie saying, “dance, monkey, dance!” And then you point out that Elizabeth has been there FIFTEEN years! And obviously worn out a couple pair of dancing shoes…. thank you, Elizabeth and all of the volunteers, for going the extra mile! (thinking of you, Chad!:sweat_smile:)
Time to go watch it again.
I’ll put a little spin on your theme. Instead of thinking about all that goes into caregiving,
your video made me think about all that goes into your caregivers. How special they are. How much they truly care about the chimpanzees. It shines through each caregivers posts, photos, and videos. On the same theme, I am always touched by the number of caregivers who return to visit the chimps. Or the past caregivers like Elizabeth, who after they leave the sanctuary remain in close contact with the chimps by volunteering. (Nice to see you, Elizabeth! Looks like Negra is very happy to see her longtime friend!)
All of you contribute immensely, just by showing up and being yourself. Thanks again, Diana, for another thought provoking post! And thanks for the video of the birthday twins. :heart::heart:
Another sanctuary, disturbing news about Tacugama:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdoLUq-R76w
https://news.sky.com/story/famous-chimpanzee-sanctuary-faces-existential-threat-from-illegal-land-grab-13378202
Ok gang! Seeing Negra today, my first thought was Buddha. Then Teeny Tiny Terry. Let’s clue in our new blogsters to our many nicknames for our sweethearts. I’ll start with a few…
Negra: The Queen, Buddha
Burrito: Bubba, Bubbs _ _
Foxie: Tiny
Jamie: The Boss, James (but so there is no confusion with our newcomers, she’s female)
Terry: Teeny Tiny Terry (where did that come from? He’s neither teeny nor tiny)
Help me out here!
Thank you caregivers! For always giving a little extra, or a LOT extra! Love you ?
another little piece of info for the newcomers. the blog’s emoji system isn’t the greatest. So we often just get ?
For instance, that was supposed to be a heart at the end.
And if new people post something and it doesn’t appear instantly, you have to refresh or exit and re-enter. And if yoy post twice, we’ve all done it.
Honey B: Beezus, Beezie
Mave: Mavis, Mave + Dora= Mora
Gordo=Gordito
Willy B = “The Gorilla”
Lucky: Lucky Lou
Rayne: Raynie
Annie: Annie Bird (bc she loves to mke bird noises into her hand when chilling)