From Chains to Family to Legacy
Oct 29, 2009
The image of Dorothy's family mourning at her funeral has touched people around the world. After being shown in the November issue of National Geographic, here are a few examples of where it has been published.
When she first came to Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue Center, Dorothy, who was overweight and insecure, often chose to sit alone and was at times the subject of teasing by the other chimpanzees.
Dorothy overcame horrific ordeals in her life, having witnessed the killing of her mother and then enduring a terrifying and painful journey as she was taken from the forest and sold into captivity, where she spent at least 25 years of her life chained to the ground outside of an amusement park (most likely many more). Chained nearby but not within reach, was her best friend Nama who is the alpha female of their family at Sanaga-Yong Center. Life for Dorothy and Nama in those nightmarish years couldn't have been further from the life that was stolen from them.
 Although she shared a similar history with the other chimpanzees in her family at Sanaga-Yong Center, Dorothy was different. Her weight was an obstacle but even more so was her utter lack of confidence and sense of self. She was lost. Still running strong within her, was her ability and desire to be a mother...and a very good one she became.
Orphan Bouboule was introduced to the group as a shy, frightened little boy. It seemed that he and Dorothy were destined for one another. Dorothy loved and protected Bouboule as her own son. She taught him lessons, comforted him and played with him, and in doing so, she also gave to herself. The love they shared helped Dorothy gain confidence, regain  her sense of self and find her place within her adoptive family. She rose in stature, created friendships and gained everyone's love and respect. (In the photo to the right, young Bouboule helps Dorothy walk around the rim of the forested enclosure as the family does every morning).
In her lifetime, Dorothy's contribution to her entire family was immeasurable. In her death, her legacy of giving continues. Her son Bouboule is next in line to succeed the current alpha male Jacky, a position that was no doubt aided by the love and devotion given him by his adoptive mother Dorothy.
In the photograph of Dorothy's funeral taken by Monica Szczupider who volunteered for one year at Sanaga-Yong Center and who came to love the chimpanzees, Dorothy is mourned by her family, chimpanzee and non-chimpanzee primates alike. Villagers walked miles to come pay their respects for this fallen matriarch and now, viewers around the world are also paying their respects.
The love shared by Dorothy and her family, even in Dorothy's death, shows the world something that so many people have not been honored to witness...the deep emotion felt by chimpanzees, especially when a loved one is lost. This is a lesson that the world needs to learn and one that, not surprisingly, Dorothy and her beloved family are teaching.
Help Carry On Dorothy's Legacy to Ensure the Future of Her Family
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