Today has been all about supreme comfort for Queen Negra.
Cle Elum 7
In memory of Ron and Betty Kreuscher
This day of sanctuary was sponsored by Ronalyn Huenergard and she shared this message about today:
“This donation is in memory of my parents, Ron and Betty Kreuscher on their wedding anniversary. They were very proud of their 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.”
Ronalyn, thank you so much for adding to the chimpanzees’ lives in memory of your parents. All of us here send you and your family good thoughts and hope this day is filled with comfort, joy and love as you celebrate Ron and Betty and the memories you hold dear. We so appreciate you holding the chimps in your heart.
Good friends, Burrito and Jody:
Outdoor sanctuary
Cooler temperatures at the sanctuary mean more frequent (and fast paced) walks on Young’s Hill!
Going Through the Archives
Thought I’d share a few photos from the last few weeks at the sanctuary.
Jody relaxing in the playroom:
Jamie surveying Young’s Hill from the top platform in the greenhouse:
Firefighters from the Jolly Mountain Fire presenting Jamie with her own pair of firefighting boots:
Missy discovering a tomato stash during a lunch forage on Young’s Hill:
Burrito:
Annie:
Annie’s hand holding some bell peppers:
Negra eating an onion on Young’s Hill:
Foxie with Dora:
A Face for the Ages
Annie’s face is a work of art.
Caption This!
You hear our perspectives everyday, now let’s hear yours!
Caption this photo of Jamie:
Bonus photos:
Negra enjoying some cooked carrots from the forage:
Jamie staring out towards the hill:
Queen Negra
Negra spent 30 years in laboratories, being poked and prodded in the name of research. In 1986, during her 13th year in a lab cage, it was suspected that Negra had some kind of contagious disease, so she was placed in isolation – possibly the worst thing you can do to a social animal. Here is the note in her record from that time:
3/31/86 – Dr. ordered animal removed from main colony and placed in isolation for further testing.
It’s unclear why, but it took almost two years for the lab technicians to realize, after extensive testing, that they had isolated Negra for no reason. In 1988 she was returned to her regular cage.
1/14/88 – Enter cage #28 by herself. Home again.
It’s possible that this was the low point in Negra’s life in the lab, but even the “good” days were filled with needles, dart guns, fear, and loneliness. Twenty years after Negra was returned to her “home” cage post-isolation, she finally moved to Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest.
You might think that the life Negra experienced in the lab would make for a timid, docile individual. But Negra is anything but docile. We call her “the Queen” of the sanctuary, because she is regal and imperious. When Negra wants something, you’d better not stand in her way. She’s cranky, self-assured, and determined. Negra is strong.
Perhaps equally surprising, given her history, is that Negra has not written off humans. Though she will let you know when you’ve disappointed her, she does not hold grudges. And even though she has every reason to hate and fear our species, she gives out kisses freely.
May we all strive to be Negra.
