In Memory of Darrell

On January 4th, 2008 Kermit's Community suffered yet another devastating and shocking loss when Darrell passed away at Chimp Haven. He was 28 years old. 

After witnessing the death of his best friend Kermit, then being ripped from his family and locked away for 8 traumatic months in solitary confinement at Primarily Primates Inc., Darrell was finally reunited with Sarah, Sheba, Keeli, Ivy, Harper and Emma at Chimp Haven in November of 2006. He quickly assumed the alpha role, formerly occupied by Kermit, and then Bob, and looked after the remaining members of KC's while getting to know his new surroundings and caregivers. His death will surely affect Kermit's Community as much as it will the humans he trusted and loved. We can only hope that the remaining members of KC's will receive the extra special attention and care they will need to cope with Darrell's death. 

Darrell was a people pleaser; this side of him became over-exaggerated during months alone at PPI; perhaps thinking that if he was on his best behavior someone might let him out of his concrete box. This side effect carried over into his disposition at Chimp Haven, but his resilience and kindness never faltered. Surely 14 months at Chimp Haven was far better for him than one more day of imprisonment at PPI. 

Although the news of Darrell's death comes with great sorrow, his life was full of love and laughter. During his 23 years of life at OSU Darrell spent every night with Kermit and virtually everyday engaging in games of chase, playing with the youngsters and being groomed by the females. He loved to paint and would use gentle brush strokes to create many a masterpiece before relaxing in the sun or flipping through his favorite magazines. His impressive charging displays were not for the faint of heart (often terrifying the biggest of men!) and his ability to quickly read other's intentions was remarkable. He loved to groom his caregivers at every given chance and engage them in games of tag and his own form of patty cake. 

Darrell had extra special bonds with Sheba, Emma and of course Kermit. Sheba and Darrell bonded as toddlers at OSU and Sheba grew to love and respect Darrell tremendously. Not a day would pass without Sheba spending as much time grooming Darrell as he would allow. Even when little Emma was 3 years old she was never afraid of Darrell; she often hung from her arms, dangling her feet in his face, or would throw her body into his lap, begging for a quick tickle. In the evenings, before dinner, Darrell and Kermit would often be heard laughing uncontrollably as they pulled on each other's feet and hands in a kind of tug-o-war, excited for the upcoming feast. 

Darrell was a remarkable individual and an irreplaceable part of Kermit's Community. His life will never be forgotten and his strength should be revered by all.