The ordinary is extraordinary
January 24, 2016 by Keri -
Throughout the course of any given day here at CSNW, the chimpanzees are either eating, resting, playing, displaying, grooming, exploring, climbing, running, foraging, napping, inspecting enrichment, interacting with one another and/or human caregivers and a host of other activities. So, it’s always great when we are able to capture clear photos and video clips of them engaged in the myriad of activities listed above to share with blog followers. And it’s pretty special when we are able to capture any of the chimps doing something unexpected.
But sometimes it’s the ordinary things in the day that are extraordinary. The fact that these chimps are able to run, laugh, play, rest, explore and simply just be is what I consider to be pretty extraordinary (given their prior lives in biomedical research and in the entertainment industry). So, here are a few “ordinary” moments from today that I wanted to share with you.
Annie just being beautiful as she rested on the catwalk this morning.
I love this photo of Jamie running out of the Playroom on her way to Young’s Hill.
Missy often grooms herself with some sort of “tool” and today she brought it with her (in her mouth) when she went out onto Young’s Hill.
Burrito’s pursed lips while eating snow.
Jody gathered snow to go with her alfalfa cubes.
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Annie just takes my breath away with her beauty. I love all the chimps but today it’s Annie’s calm, relaxed photo that spoke to me!
Beautiful captured moments Keri – thank you.
She is a beautiful chimp isn’t she?
Wonderful pictures!
I’m with Rosemary! I love them all but I always LOVE to see photos of Annie! I have the picture of her eating a corn cob and one of her son Virgle with a big smile on his face on my computer to look at every day! Of course Burrito is there too but he and Annie are my Pals so what would one expect? 😉
It’s hard not to love them!
Is this place in Washington state and if so can the public visit?
Hi Marla. Yes, the sanctuary is located in Cle Elum, Washington and yes the public can sign up to visit the sanctuary on one of our scheduled weekend dates during the summer months. Pre-registration is required for these visits via an online registration form, so be sure to check our website for dates. Here is a link for more information regarding the visitor program.
Each photo extraordinary! Thanks for sharing them. Jamie looks so cute dashing for the door — so ripped I thought she was Missy! ; )
Thanks Kathleen! Yes, I love the picture of Jamie dashing for the door. She must have liked the black boot I put on because she wasted no time getting out to Young’s Hill!
I would love nothing more than to just take a trek with them side by side on Young’s Hill. But that wouldn’t be a good idea. I’m glad in a way you can walk with them around the perimeter.
Stunning picture of beautiful Annie! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Annie’s parted hair in the middle just always cracks me up. And of course Jody has the most symmetrical features of any of them plus those big doe eyes, and hence, is stunningly gorgeous.
But of course, we all know I’m addicted to the goofball, B-man.
It’s hard for me to look at these photos without putting them into perspective (or in not feeling guilty that I suffer with Systemic Lupus and recognise that at one time, some chimp may have been put through hell on my behalf). If someone were to simply look at them at face value, one might think, “Uh, yeah, it’s a chimp running, so what?” And sadly, save a few, this is the general reaction of my friends.
But the beauty with these chimps (along with Save the Chimps, Fauna Foundation and numerous others), is in looking at them IN CONTEXT of the life they used to have, and by the grace of God, no longer have, thanks to fearless folks with a vision and the drive to make it happen. Unless you know their full history and hence the sheer hell and torture they endured, I just don’t believe one can fully appreciate the simple and breathless beauty in every shot, every step, every snow-filled crystalline breath.
And maybe that’s what people who love chimps have already learned about humanity–the beauty each person possesses becomes resonant, elucidated, and special only when we’re truly able to appreciate the crap from our pasts and how far we’ve come.
<3
Very eloquently stated Carla! Thank you!
You guys always do a magnificent job with your photography, capturing those insightful moments that let us see the “crew” in more meaningful ways!! Keep up the good work!!!
Thank you Janet! I think we could spend a majority of the day taking pictures of these guys and never get tired of it!
Love Annie’s little foot. Darling.
I’m a new follower and find myself looking forward to each day’s blog with great anticipation. Love learning about chimps in general and these seven in particular. Thanks for the great work you do.
Welcome aboard Sue! We’re glad you are enjoying getting to know more about chimps and especially these seven individuals!