Let us hope a woman frozen in childhood learns to live again
The WELCOME sign on the tree outside, together with the ornaments of butterflies and bells, gave a crazy look of a happy children’s refuge.
The furry toys, including what were described as “threadbare” teddies, may have given the three children in Philip Garrido’s insane custody some comfort. Studies of orphaned chimpanzees showed that when presented with a wire construction meant to represent their lost mother, they were much more likely to choose and cling to the construction if it was covered in a soft fabric than if it was left bare – even if the hard, uncovered version contained a baby’s bottle of milk for the small animal to drink from. Even a baby chimp needs something soft and warm, something to own and love.