I love the show.... I am spell bound from beginning to end. it is interesting to see how they interact and how the social structure is being formed. I have tried to get in to the Lemur show but can't quite get into it but am all over Chimp Eden.
I love the show. I have much respect for conservationists that have the love and drive to protect species in danger. I wish I had that job. It looks dangerous, but it’s worth it.
I love it also. I like all the chimps already. It looks like they are going to have their work cut out for them though. I have just watched 2 episodes so far.
I like show. I'm so glad that someone is out there saving these poor animals from horrible and uncomfortable living conditions and improving their lives.
I absolutely adore the show. I haven't missed one episode, and I don't intend to =)
I also go to chimpeden.com a lot-- Eugene and Phillip are in the chatroom on the site regularly. They're such wonderful people! I have created a myspace profile for their Green Revolution fund, to help promote the cause, the show and the sanctuary. Please visit it, everyone: myspace.com/comradecozy
I think it's a wonderful show, one that promotes a very laudable cause. It's very upsetting to see such emotional, rational beings living alone in such disgustingly abysmal conditions-but also uplifting beyond words to see their joy and bliss at finally being able to live as they were meant to at the sancutary.
And although I'm no PETA activist, it pleases me to see animal liberation being portrayed in a positive, human, merciful light for once in the media.
Thanks so much for the work you do Eugene, and to you too AP!
There are many sanctuaries, zoos and conservations that train endangered animals to live in the wild, but I am glad that they are airing one sanctuary that holds these beautiful, endangered animals, and tells their entire story. The show is great!!!
I love this show! I have seen just a couple episodes, but every time my DVR has another episode on, I can't help but to watch it! EVEN IF I'VE SEEN IT BEFORE! This show is mesmerizing... Maybe it's just Eugene's eyes... :-) But I think the work he is doing is wonderful! keep up the good work, Eugene and Chimp Eden!!! Kudos to you! Please air more episodes!
I agree ccatz, seeing Eugene and Zac grooming and exchanging hairs was one of the most tender and beautiful things I've seen on AP. The affection and expressions on their faces were sublime.
Also, I am SO proud of Zac and how he handled himself during his introduction to the other chimps! When the others came into the room, he was just calmly sitting there eating, not being aggressive and so showing them he was no threat-EXACTLY what he should've done! Yet when Zeena started to act like a jerk towards him, he also stood up for himself too.
I also was happy to see how when Cozy felt threatened and began to intimidate and menace Zac, Joao immediately came to Zac's aid. It was like he was saying to Cozy, "This is our new friend, part of our family now. You knock it off and treat him with respect, or you'll have to answer to me."
Finally, it was great to see that in the face of Cozy's displays and taunting, Zac apparently knew that the best way to deal with this sort of pestering is often to just ignore it.
One more thing. I've had a deep passion for animals and their natural history ever since I was a child, including chimps. And one thing I'd like others on these boards to be aware of before hand, especially in light of next week's episode, is that while meerkat and lemur societies are female dominated, chimpanzee society is FIERCELY male dominated.
Quite often, in the name of establishing and enforcing this dominance, putting a stop to misbehavior, or even just to let off steam, male chimps will not flinch at dealing out nasty beatings to females and young. In our post-feminist Western culture, this'll understandably be regarded as a dreadfully shocking and abhorrently brutal by many viewers. However, we must remember that this is perfectly natural chimp behavior, and has been the way of chimpanzees for tens of thousands of years. Unlike humans, the males don't and can't know any better. Plus, when you consider that even a subadult female is strong enough to cave in a man's jaw with one blow and drag 300 pounds like we'd drag out a sled, she's hardly frail and helpless.
Great show. Amidst all of the cruelty bestowed by human beings i.e., the sight of the chimp on last weeks episode in the tiny cage where he lived for 4 years, and Zach with that chain around his neck that he apparently had for 17 years; I find comfort when I see my race bestowng compassion and love to any animal that has been unduly mistreated. The Eugene's of this world are amazing. You can tell he loves what he does.
The hair exchange was so touching... I would have exchanged hairs too! And pretended to eat them like Eugene did. I was most surprised that after being chained at the neck by humans, Zach responded so well to Eugene. At least he knows that their are kind humans too.
Thanks for airing this series. Mod_Kelly, is the Elephant Diaries going to become a series?
I love the show, and think it is well done. To save animals like these Chimps from abusive and hard living conditions is a great way to teach people about these animals. Also, it is a great show that, in my opinion, will lead more and more people to save animals like Chimps, Tigers, Grizzlies, and other animals that are living poor lives due to some mankind.
