On Sunday en route to my holiday accommodation I stopped at Monkey World; an Ape Rescue Centre in Wareham, Dorset. I was going with the flow on my road trip, stopping wherever took my fancy and had plenty of time before I checked in to my holiday accommodation. Feeling free spirited and listening to Spotify tunes I was sensing the joy; as I let go thoughts of work and to do lists.
Having driven past the centre a few months earlier over Easter, I wanted to visit the next time I was in the area. The idea of an ape rescue centre intrigued my curiosity. I’m not one to visit zoos since I was a kid; as I have read and seen some horrific stories of animals abused for selfish pleasure and profit. Some zoos get it right and yet others don’t!
This rescue centre appealed to my heart, as the centre has helped many primates globally recover and rehabilitate in a safe and loving way in an environment that supports their healing. Much like humans who have experienced trauma, neglect or abuse this centre epitomises a wonderful story of how this rehab was intimately started in 1987, and you can read more on the Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre website, the legacy of Jim Cronin and his wife.
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Growing up in multiple countries, loving the diversity of animals and being an animal lover; I’m all for supporting the humane treatment and rights of all animals. There are plenty of animal lovers in the world who have helped protect different species and rescued animals from harmful practices where they were abused or mistreated, or lived in habitats that were cruel to their natural instinct and survival.
I wandered around in awe engaged with exploring the park and learning more about the life journeys of the rescued primates. The centre has been actively involved over the years to bring about change to UK law to stop the abuse and trade of monkeys as pets and primates.
I found observing these ‘new primate’ friends so fascinating in their home. I likened it quite simply as ‘connection’. Humans like apes, chimpanzees, and monkeys thrive in their tribe when loved, feeling safe, validated and connected. The primates I watched were clearly content and happy. As an empath or a sensitive person – I pick up on vibes even in animals.
The chimps (and other primates) too use their faces to express messages with body postures, and gestures alike to human behaviours and connection in their social circles. It’s about body language and sensory awareness as the way we all communicate.
In particular, there were a group of chimps huddled together on one of the high wooden platforms in their enclosure. I had grabbed my camera from the car last minute, so I was guaranteed to capture some shots up close and personal with my zoom lens.
I was delighted to watch their facial expressions and poses, as I was in my own little world; in the present moment and fully engaged.
One particular chimp was clearly besotted with his mate as I watched him send flirtatious signals. Well what I imagined anyway – likening it to ‘courting’ couples, or meeting someone in your circle or network.
Intuitively you both know there’s a connection of some sort as you navigate the social rituals of becoming friends, and exploring other more ‘intimate’ possibilities over time (or not). I named this particular chimp, Mr Chillman! Likened to my preference for making friends and/or ‘courting’ with a mate – cheeky, interesting, calm, curious, funny and sexy!
Leaning in, Mr Chillman chimp caressed her cute chimp face and picked up her hand to examine it in great detail. Up close he proceeded to give her several kisses on her hairy face, and at times she turned her cheek away looking elsewhere, before turning her face back towards him.
I was chuckling to myself as I was thinking back to my own past relationships and getting to know someone; sometimes slowly, or sometimes quickly in other cases. LOL! Now I was really going into dreamscape as I was comparing these chimps’ behaviours with my past ‘major’ intimate love relationships.
Not one myself for online app dating I was thinking these chimps had it right. Be yourself, stay authentic, know your tribe and if it happens organically, great! You attract who you’re meant to meet!
These photos are some of my favourites, and if you’re in the Dorset area be sure to visit. I won’t say anything more as I’m rambling random thoughts after a windy and sunny day out at sea today.
Much love,
Suitcase Cally xxx
