Remembering Petra

On September 7, 2019, beautiful Petra passed away, surrounded by chimpanzees and humans who loved her very much. She always wore a lanyard with a set of keys around her neck, which she jingled to get our attention. We will all miss the sound of her jangling keys in the chimphouse. 

Petra arrived at Fauna in 1997, 22 years ago nearly to the day. Gloria first met her at LEMSIP when she was just 9 years old and she was a lanky girl who had been used in numerous biomedical protocols. She joined Fauna in the first group of chimps, which also included Annie, Jethro, Regis, Binky, Rachel, and Chance. She had spent the most time with Regis at LEMSIP but was friends with everyone in that first group of arrivals. Her strong spirit and drive made her a central chimpanzee at Fauna.

Back in 2017 when I first came to Fauna for the 20th anniversary event, I immediately fell in love with her through a picture. There was so much charisma and wisdom in her eyes as well as an incredible will to live and be free. I've carried that image ever since, in my heart and on my living room wall at home, slowly moving from visitor to volunteer to Outreach Program and Volunteer Coordinator.

I remember the first time I saw her in the chimphouse like it was yesterday. Every detail of her personality that was captured on that picture came even more alive and I felt even more compelled to take action on her behalf and on behalf of all the Great Apes in the world.

I am thankful for the loving caregivers who attended to her needs, particularly in the last weeks of her life. She was under constant watch and needed a great deal of assistance. Fauna places a priority on ensuring that the needs of everyone are met, and particularly those who need the most which happens when health is compromised. This is only possible by support for our caregivers.

This year, I am therefore dedicating my Giving Day for Apes Campaign in loving memory of sweet and wonderful Petra.