Resting Serious Face
April 15, 2016 by J.B. -
Jamie can be a difficult person to read. For some reason, her face is less emotionally expressive than those of the other chimps.
Over the last 8 years, we’ve studied her face intently and gotten to know the subtleties of what little expression she reveals. It’s serious business around here, because Jamie’s mood can make or break your day. And though I can’t tell you what it is exactly that differentiates one seemingly solemn expression from another, there is something noticeably different when she is in a good mood. The seriousness is still there, but it’s like she has temporarily forgotten about all the responsibilities she has as the group’s powerful but insecure leader and the Machiavellian struggles that she engages in with her family and the humans that care for her on a daily basis. It’s the same face, but the weight has been momentarily lifted.
Once and a while, though, she relieves us of the need for such detailed analysis and tells us in no uncertain terms that she is happy.
The face might be serious, but the troll scarf says otherwise.
3 Comments
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What fine writers you all are. Your thoughtful observations as scientists, caregivers and companions are engaging and inspiring. I appreciate your daily sharing of the chimps life with you at the sanctuary with all of us.
The troll scarf is the best..Jamie does seem to like it and wears it well. Nice to see her relax. Being the boss is hard work…especially when there are so many of you to keep in line.
Thank you all for understanding Jamie and her needs. And, for understanding all of the chimps.
If it were anyone else wearing that Troll Scarf (chimp or human) I might question if they honestly understood how funny it really is. But when Jamie chooses to go styling’ about in her Troll Scarf, there is no doubt she gets the humor of it all!! Jamie is seriously funny! This reality makes me laugh. And let’s face it, how serious can you honestly be wearing that?! Jamie is an enigma, a beautiful enigma.
By the way, who was genius behind the creation of the CSNW Troll Scarf?