Animal Welfare
A Moment of Peace
Negra is not normally a “greet the morning with gusto” kind of a person. Like myself, she is more of a, “can I please have just 10 (make that 20) more minutes of quiet before getting out of bed” kind of a person.
In the summer months, she changes her morning routine, though. Often before the humans arrive in the morning, Negra drags herself out of the nest she’s slept in on the catwalk or the loft of the playroom, and makes a new nest on top of the tall structure in the greenhouse.
For some reason, most of the other chimps remain in the building, which allows Negra to have some glorious peace and quiet and alone time before the ruckus of the day begins.
This morning, she even had a little snack leftover from the night enrichment the previous evening.
Being able to witness moments like this is what makes my heart burst out of my chest for the love I have for Negra and the gratefulness I feel for everyone who shares this love.
Maybe we could just have 10 more minutes?
The Loners
The Cle Elum Seven chimpanzees had lived together in the lab for a few years before they came to the sanctuary, so they were already an established group when we met them. Like any family, theirs contained a range of personalities. Some were dominant and some were submissive, some were serious and some were fun-loving, some were social and some were independent.
When the group first arrived at the sanctuary eight years ago, Jody and Negra kept to themselves pretty consistently. They would show up to meals, but that was about the only group activity they showed any interest in. For most of the day, they would each find a quiet spot, make a nest, and enjoy their solitude.
We love that the chimps have the freedom to make their own choices, so we were glad that Negra and Jody were spending their days in the ways that made them happy. Still, as we watched some of the other chimps find joy and comfort in companionship, we couldn’t help but wish that Jody and Negra would open themselves up to this experience.
Fast forward eight years: Today we know a Jody and a Negra who still appreciate their alone time, but who also regularly seek out soothing grooming sessions or gentle play sessions with their friends. They remain fundamentally the same people we met years ago, but now their worlds are just a little bigger.
Jody:
Negra:
Eating
There’s something about watching chimpanzees eat that immediately brightens my mood. Here are a few short clips from today’s lunch.
One of each, please
Jody wins today’s lunch forage
Joy in the Afternoon
If you’re having a bad day, this video will help. If you’re having a good day, it’s about to get even better.
Snuggling in the Forecast
You wouldn’t know it’s July by the weather in Cle Elum today. It’s cool and overcast, and we’ve had some intermittent light rain. For the chimpanzees, this is a perfect excuse to snuggle up with some soft blankets.
Annie:
Jody:
Burrito:
