It was a very sad day yesterday and I am sorry to tell you all that Pepper passed away Wednesday evening with her chimp family around her. Thank-you all who showed your love when I posted her picture earlier this week. Fauna will be releasing details on their blog and website in the coming days and I will let you know.

I came to know Pepper and her 11 chimp family members in the past months volunteering as a photographer at Fauna. It has been a remarkable experience and I can’t quite find the words yet to describe what it has been like getting to know the chimps. Pepper was indeed special. She loved her space outside and when I would arrive early and unload my gear she would often be up above keeping an eye on me. I enjoyed those few quiet moments speaking to her.

Last week when her condition became known to me I was so privileged to get to spend some quiet time with her. I can’t imagine the grief that her human and chimp family are feeling over her loss. I am grateful to have known her and am relieved she passed away peacefully with her friends around her, no longer in a laboratory cage.