Kitty, continued

Kitty leaves the research facility behind - forever

The Coulston Foundation agreed to place Kitty at the Black Beauty Ranch as a permanent companion for Nim. At dawn on June 3, 1997, Dr. Struthers and Kitty set out for the ranch. They arrived at dusk the same day, and Kitty spent her first night in her new home.

Nim and Kitty were initially placed in separate quarters but in full sight of each other. They indicated an immediate affinity by showing no aggression at any time during the 14 hours they were in separate enclosures, divided only by mesh. They both attempted to open the door between them. One of Nim’s former instructors from the American Sign Language institute, Bob Ingersoll, was also present for the introduction and interpreted Nim’s gestures toward the door between he and Kitty as, “Hurry, hurry, open there!” The door was opened, and they immediately began to interact positively.

The two remained compatible, and later that month two more chimpanzee companions, Midge and Lulu, were rescued and introduced to the ranch. The four lived peacefully together until Nim died suddenly of heart problems on March 10, 2000, at the age of 26. Kitty, Midge and Lulu continue their lives together at the ranch, where they presently enjoy a large new outdoor enclosure.

Renewing the bond

When Dr. Struthers arrived to visit Kitty, no one knew how the chimp might react. As Dr. Struthers spoke to Kitty, she sat with her back to Dr. Struthers, demonstrating not only that she remembered their relationship but also that she was disappointed in Dr. Struthers’ long absence. Soon, however, she warmed up, and they spent a few hours together, with Kitty leaning against the enclosure’s wall so that Dr. Struthers could touch and groom her. Dr. Struthers brought her a new toy, which she held close. Kitty was very relaxed and stayed as near to Dr. Struthers as possible. The relationship and trust they had shared years ago was evident.

It is common knowledge that chimpanzees feel many of the same emotions humans feel. Kitty had obviously felt loss and grief when her babies were repeatedly taken away from her to be used in research, and she felt joy and comfort seeing the familiar face of Dr. Struthers. Watching Dr. Struthers say goodbye to Kitty, staff at the ranch sensed the anguish of the separation and hoped that another reunion would happen before another nine years pass.

Offsite Links

Learn more about what’s wrong with using chimpanzees in research.
Read more about Lulu and Midge, Kitty's companions at the ranch.

Posted: June 26, 2006