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To Know Someone

May 19, 2016 by Elizabeth -

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There are many obvious differences between the chimpanzees’ current lives in sanctuary and their former lives in research labs. We often mention the blue sky, green grass, fresh air, soft blankets, and good food that are regular features of their lives at the sanctuary.

There’s another difference that I think about often: After decades as faceless lab subjects, treated as little more than the ID numbers tattooed on their chests, the Cle Elum Seven chimpanzees are finally known as distinct and unique individuals with distinct and unique personalities, quirks, and preferences. And it’s not just those of us who care for the chimps everyday who know them so well; it’s also all of you who follow the blog and have fallen in love. We’re probably biased, but we think these chimps are the best and they deserve an enormous fan club.

Here’s sweet, gentle, nervous, brave, grass-loving, foot-clapping Annie, unknown and unappreciated for so long. Thank you for loving her.

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15 Comments

  1. Avatar Denice on May 19, 2016 at 3:53 pm

    And love her, I do.



  2. Avatar June on May 19, 2016 at 3:59 pm

    She is so beautiful…look at those eyes!



  3. Avatar Rosemary on May 19, 2016 at 4:51 pm

    I loved Annie from the first time I saw her.
    She’s beautiful !



  4. Avatar sherry rogers on May 19, 2016 at 4:55 pm

    Although I love all the chimps, I especially love Annie. Her face is so sweet and her eyes look so gentle. I think of “MY Annie” a wonderful, gentle, nervous, loving Beagle dog, whenever I see or think about this Annie. They are so much alike in character and both rescued from abuse. I would love to hug and kiss this Annie as much as I did my beagle dog Annie before losing her 2 years ago. It may sound silly, but I see that same look in their eyes.



  5. Avatar Tammy on May 19, 2016 at 5:14 pm

    I do truly love her…….????



  6. Avatar Dee on May 19, 2016 at 5:51 pm

    What a beautiful face she has !! She has such soulful eyes
    I just love Annie



  7. Avatar Dalyce on May 19, 2016 at 6:01 pm

    How can you not love this beautiful girl …



  8. Avatar Jackie on May 19, 2016 at 6:42 pm

    The beautiful Annie. What a sweetheart!



  9. Avatar Kathleen on May 19, 2016 at 7:10 pm

    Yes. I do love her. No thanks needed. Annie is so beautiful, I truly feel that I am better for knowing her, for knowing all of the Cle Elum Seven.



  10. Avatar Cody Marie Phoenix on May 19, 2016 at 7:32 pm

    I fell in love with Annie the first time I saw her and not just because her name is the same as my blessed Grandmother or the fact that Annie’s daughter is Mariah which is my grandmother’s middle name but because she touched something in my heart with those eyes and her beautiful face! I’m glad we’re pals Annie! Love You!



  11. Avatar Sue Polen on May 19, 2016 at 8:33 pm

    Annie is beautiful and she moves something in me when I look at her pictures. I’m planning a trip to visit her very soon, and I know I will fall even more in love when I can really watch her and look into those beautiful eyes. See you soon Annie!



  12. Avatar Sue Gillespie on May 19, 2016 at 8:46 pm

    I love that face. 



  13. Avatar Mary Watt on May 19, 2016 at 9:37 pm

    Oh my goodness I too send Annie a virtual hug. I have my Miss Sally with me, a 9 year old, 8 lb. cat. We rescued each other! I encourage everyone to buy products NOT tested on animals. Blessings to all beings.



  14. Avatar Joanna Arroyo on May 20, 2016 at 1:15 pm

    I have 3 pictures on my desk at work, of sweet Annie-
    she reminds me to smile and helps me find a moment
    of peace in my chaotic job.



  15. Avatar Arlene and Michael on May 22, 2016 at 6:49 pm

    Amazing words. Amazing pictures. Thank You!!



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