Prior to working at CSNW, both Caregiver Sabrina and I worked at Chimp Haven in Louisiana, where Negra’s daughter Heidi (and more than 300 other chimpanzees!) live. Being able to know and love both Heidi and Negra is extra special and so interesting to see many similarities (and some differences) between the two. I was excited when coming to CSNW to meet Heidi’s mom, and often see glimpses of Heidi in her mom, Negra.
Heidi on the move.
Negra on the move
Negra is the Queen for a reason! She is known for holding her caregivers to high standards. Don’t serve her food too fast, but you also better not serve it too slow! Now dance! We gladly follow our Queen’s demands. Negra has many quiet, sweet moments with her caregivers too, including many, many kisses. Within her group, Negra is generally quieter and not overly involved in conflicts, unless they bring the fight to her (looking at you, Burrito!). She can often be found playing with Burrito or resting in one of her large, well-built nests.
Heidi has friends in high places, and is more assertive when drama unfolds in her group. She can hold a grudge if she needs to with other chimps, and though she is small, she is mighty! She is easy going with her caregivers and very sweet. We didn’t have physical contact with the chimps at Chimp Haven (we played and groomed using a long-handled spoon), but I think she would give lots of kisses much like Negra, given the opportunity. During the time I knew her, Heidi did not make or use elaborate nests like Negra. Physically, I think it is clear that Negra has some strong genes!
I’m so grateful both Heidi and Negra are enjoying sanctuary life, and for the opportunity to know and love them and the many other chimpanzees that have shaped me both as a caregiver and a human. What an honor it is.
Heidi
Negra
Heidi
Negra
The resemblance is obvious, but I think Heidi looks a lot more like Jamie in the picture at the top.
The pic at the very very top of the blog is Neggie
Heidi looks so much like her momma! Right down to the hairline! Even her right ear is the same shape as Neggie’s!
What and intersting and introspecive blog Ellen. Thank you for taking so much time to take us on this educationsl journey. i wonder what the behavior would be if they both met in person? Would Negra recognize her daughter? Is there a certsin smell associated with DNA? Both are beautiful chimps. A decade or more ago, I met Negra during lunch. I forget her favorite food. but boy oh boy she didn’t stop until she got it! Thanks again for this lovely and amazing blog! pant hoots! Karen and Don
Like her mother, Heidi is a beautiful woman. One can see her strength of character.
Both of these sanctuaries are so fortunate to have such dedicated and loving caregivers to their Chimps as both of you. Thank you.
The resemblance is amazing! Heidi looks like a younger Neggie. How fortunate you are (and Sabrina too) to know both of these precious ladies. Thank you for sharing your photos of Heidi and for pointing out some of their similarities. Perhaps when Heidi is older she’ll understand the need for mountain high blanket nests.
Thankyou, Ellen, for sharing this post with us. Yes, the resemblance between mother and daughter shines through in their sweet faces.It is so sad that these chimpanzees have to be separated from their offspring and you wonder what a reunion would be like. I am glad you had the opportunity to get to know both Negra and Heidi and though they live separate lives it must be heart warming to know that they are both loved and secure in their forever homes.
Thank you for letting us get to know the children of “our” chimpanzees a little bit.
Those eyes!!!!
I don’t think they would recognize each other, since the babies were taken away very early; no time to bond….
Remember HoneyB and Missy?? We all had high ( romantic ) hopes they would know each other, but that was a fantasy……
It’s the brow ridge for me.
Thanks, Ellen. I always enjoy these side by side comparisons!
Wow. I love this blog. Thank you so much for sharing it. I love looking at those sweet nearly identical faces.
You can tell Heidi is the feistier of the mother daughter duo- shes missing part of an ear! Negra has lived many long years and still has both of hers! It makes me so so sad to know that Negra and Heidi are at different sanctuaries… Do you think if they met today they would know they were mom and daughter?? Would they somehow remember each other?
I just re examined the photos andvrelized I was connecting the wrong name with the photos! Negra is missing part of her ear and Heidi has both of hers! I wonder what the interpretation of that fact would be….. Heidi is feistier so has been able to defend and protect her ears?? They do look very similar!
I just love this blog, Ellen. It was so great to see the pictures of both Negra and Heidi, each living their best lives in sanctuary. Thank you for loving them, Ellen.
I felt compelled (if I could have) to hug them both.