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If peace had a face…and toes

May 5, 2015 by Katelyn -

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The chimpanzees have all appeared particularly serene and at peace today. It’s a beautiful spring day, but the wind is especially cold and everyone has spent a lot of time lounging in the warm greenhouse as they looked out over Young’s Hill.

While we often try to imagine what these moments must feel like to the chimpanzees after decades of trauma and uncertainty, I doubt we ever fully could. I am grateful and hopeful that with each passing day these moments outweigh those that came before. And I am grateful and hopeful that these faces (and toes) say it’s so.

Annie:

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Annie feet:

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Burrito:

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Foxie:

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Jody:

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Missy:

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Jamie was tucked away in a cozy nest in the front rooms, one arm splayed out over her eyes and the other hugging her boots to her chest, sound asleep. Unfortunately, not a spot the camera can get.

And you’ll never believe who the chimpanzees were watching from the comfort of the toasty greenhouse…

Negra. Hair blowing in the wind, the hill to herself, and how peace looked for her today.

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7 Comments

  1. Avatar Meg Konturas on May 5, 2015 at 5:22 pm

    Love this!!! Happy tears AGAIN!!! Thanks to all of you at CSNW!!



  2. Avatar Jennifer Douglas on May 5, 2015 at 5:32 pm

    They all look amazing, especially Annie. What a transformation.



  3. Avatar Kathleen on May 5, 2015 at 6:31 pm

    Yes, these photos say it IS so. Oh Katelyn! These are some of the most peaceful photos of the chimps, so lovely. But seeing my dear Negra, “hair blowing in the wind”, all alone on the Hill today — I have no words. Lovely.

    I will never truly understand it , but your photos — this is what HOPE looks like.



  4. Avatar Barbara on May 5, 2015 at 8:01 pm

    Sweet Negra. Love her



  5. Avatar Jackie on May 5, 2015 at 9:49 pm

    Love the beautiful faces! Very touching!!



  6. Avatar Pat C on May 6, 2015 at 9:24 pm

    yay for all but extra yays for Negra today!



  7. Avatar Francoise on May 8, 2015 at 1:34 pm

    The photographs fill my heart. 🙂 Thank you.



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