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Taking in the view

July 23, 2015 by Elizabeth -

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When the weather is just right, Negra likes to make a nest in one particular corner of the upper platform in the greenhouse. After breakfast when the other chimpanzees head out onto Young’s Hill, Negra grabs an armful of blankets and climbs up to her spot.

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Sometimes she sleeps, and sometimes she just lies there and gazes out over the valley. This is her view:

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I often wonder what the chimps think of the outside world. Most of the chimps were in their thirties when they arrived at the sanctuary seven years ago. We believe that most of them had never been outside before. After decades in cages inside windowless buildings, the first glimpse of the outdoors must have been startling and a little awe-inspiring.

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By now, Negra is accustomed to fresh air and sunshine and the wide open spaces at the sanctuary. But the view never seems to get old for her.

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Still, one does need to sleep occasionally.

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8 Comments

  1. Avatar Julie on July 23, 2015 at 2:45 pm

    What a love! Great photos; thank you!



  2. Avatar Jackie on July 23, 2015 at 4:20 pm

    The lovely Negra lost in thought. Great pictures!



  3. Avatar Cody on July 23, 2015 at 4:36 pm

    Precious baby Negra! <3



  4. Avatar Joseph G. on July 23, 2015 at 6:08 pm

    Like them, I don’t get tired of that view either. So happy that they have found peace in Sanctuary.



  5. Avatar Meg Konturas on July 23, 2015 at 7:05 pm

    Love her!!!



  6. Avatar Humphrey on July 23, 2015 at 7:23 pm

    Love you Negra !



  7. Avatar Jeani Goodrich on July 23, 2015 at 7:28 pm

    I love seeing Negra lost in thought. And then dreaming about those thoughts. Sweet dreams beautiful Negra ????????



  8. Avatar Kathleen on July 23, 2015 at 8:02 pm

    I will never understand how they survived for so long with so little. I would think the great wide open would be horrifying at first, even as beautiful as it is. This is why these 7 chimps astonish me and why I admire them so. The courage needed to venture into this beautiful new world I know was not, and is not easily found. And yet, they somehow make it seem as if it was. Drink in that lovely view Negra, it is yours, forever, and it is HOME.



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