You’ve probably noticed in the photos we post that some members of the Cle Elum Seven are missing fingers, toes, and parts of their ears. Injuries like this are usually the result of fights with other chimps, and they are not uncommon in chimps who have spent years in captivity (or in the wild, for that matter).
Yesterday, there was an intense fight in our group. Everyone is going to be OK, but a few folks are pretty bruised and battered. It was hard to tell what started things off, but Burrito got the worst of it. While male chimpanzees are impressive, they are no match for six females acting together. Thankfully, everyone still has what was left of their ears, fingers, and toes.
What amazes me about chimpanzees is the way they reconcile after fights like this. As their friends, our instinct is to separate them to make sure no one gets hurt any further. But unless immediate medical intervention is necessary, its important for chimpanzees to be together after a conflict, whether that’s to make amends or to reinforce the new relationship that was established by the fight. Within minutes – after the alarm barking subsided – the entire group was together, grooming each others’ wounds.
Thankfully, chimpanzees also have an amazing ability to heal. The Cle Elum Seven are lucky to have three experienced and dedicated veterinarians looking out for them, so we are confident that everyone will be fully healed in no time. The humans, on the other hand, will be shaking for some time to come 🙂
Shelly C says
Oh my gosh…I cannot even to begin to imagine how everyone must have felt….being outside the bars and not able to get inside to stop the fighting…I bet you are all shaken up, I am shaken hearing about it and am not even there…poor babies…poor Burrito, getting pounced by 6 females must have been brutal…I am happy to hear no major injuries were reported, but I imagine they are aching today! So how do you break it up…do you spray water, sound an alarm…scream…how do you stop a fight going on that is on the other side of the bars??? That breaks my heart, I hope there will not be any more of that, maybe knowing how much pain it caused , they will not do it again…I know wishful thinking! I suppose Burrito is takling it very easy today, and which of the females got it bad like Burrito??? So sorry to hear about this JB…but thank you for letting the Auntie and Uncles know the kids have been fighting!
Kathy B says
Do they fight like very often?
Candace (Tyler, TX) says
From all the things I’ve read and seen on t.v. I’m not too surprised that a big fight has occurred, being in close quarters it was bound to happen. After fights some relationships might change or be reinforced but it’s amazing they can reconcile so quickly, I wish humans could behave that way. If the fight happened inside I can only imagine how loud it must have been reverberating off the walls. When I hear them pant-hoot it’s loud. I’m just glad everyone is recovering. I imagine your three Washington state veterinarians never thought they’d have a chance to have chimpanzees as patients.
Amy M. says
JB: You write, “…some members of the Cle Elum Seven are missing fingers, toes, and parts of their ears.”
Have I missed that? Could you please elaborate on who’s missing what?
Denice says
I’ve been there during a couple of “squabbles” and couldn’t stop thinking about it for days. I can’t imagine, I pray for “everyone’s” speedy recovery.
JB says
Shelly – There’s really no way to stop a fight. They have such an intense focus during conflicts. Plus, they are usually over within seconds after the biting begins.
Kathy – They fight often, but almost all fights end without injury, especially in a group that’s been together for a while like the Cle Elum Seven.
Candace – You’re right, its not surprising. We expect this to happen, but always wish that it wouldn’t! Close quarters can limit opportunities to flee, but free-living chimps sustain injuries (even lethal ones) during fights as well.
Amy – When the chimps arrived in Cle Elum, Burrito was missing half an ear and a finger tip, Negra was missing half an ear, Jody was missing three toes (which were severed when a guillatine door in the lab slammed on her foot), Annie had a tear in her ear, and Missy is was missing a finger tip.
Theresa says
I’m sorry to hear ofthe fight but not surprised it happened. All creatures that live in close proximity will fight, whether verbal, physical, or both. Wild chimps are so brutal when they fight and chimps are extremely strong causing serious injuries. I can imagine the fight was distressing for you all. I’m glad no body is seriously injured and will heal quickly. I hate to hear of them hurting each other although it’s natural behavior.
Amy M. says
These chimp people are truly survivors.
Shelly Knapp says
JB, thank you so much for sharing the details of what happened….we all want to know everything about what the chimps experience….even when it’s difficult to hear. It had to have been just heartbreaking to witness.
I can’t help but think, though, that in context, when we remember all they’ve endured at the lab for decades – and when we think of chimps who have been brutally “trained”, this is mild compared to that – it’s raw, fast & furious emotion and then it’s over. Definitely not fun, but quick. Bless their hearts. We humans can sure take a lesson on speedy forgiveness, huh? 😉
Gayle says
Wow… I can only imagine how intense that must have been. That they all were caring for each other’s wounds a short time after says it all – no grudges held. I agree, Candace. It would be wonderful if humans did the same.
JB..did the vets have to check the injuries that resulted?? How is their health monitored?? Do the chimps require actual physicals??
Anna says
Wow – witnessing a fight must be sooo scary! And I’m glad to hear that the injuries are relatively minor. But frankly – given everything they’ve been through (including piles of *good* change recently) – I’m surprised you haven’t seen a major fight before now? I hope it served the purpose to clear the air between them. And I look forward to hearing whether you observe any changes in the group dynamics over the next few days.
And hugs to all the humans! I hope you recover soon from the fright! 🙂
Kim McAndrews says
Sending lots of love to you, from Everett! I can’t imaging having to stand by and wait for it all to pass. I’m so glad everyone is okay. As difficult as it was…I’m glad they have the chance to do “normal” chimp things. Even though nobody likes a fight…at least they have the right to work things out among themselves these days. Thanks to you.
JB says
Gayle –
Yes, we always have a vet take a look at anything beyond the usual cuts and scrapes. The course of action for bites is usually the same – manage their pain and prevent infection with antibiotics. The chimps take care of everything else in all but the most extreme cases. You’d be amazed at how fast their injuries heal. But we never want to make medical decisions without a veterinarian seeing it first-hand.
As for health monitoring, its really a balancing act. Sedating chimpanzees for routine physicals is very traumatic, and as they age, it also becomes dangerous. We want to do everything we can through cooperative means, so we plan to install a “blood sleeve” this year, which, with training, could allow us to draw blood from the chimpanzees safely and with their consent. We also plan to install a floor scale which will help us monitor their weight. We want to avoid anesthetizing the chimps unless it is absolutely required for their sake, but we also want to ensure that they stay in good health.
Jeani Goodrich says
JB Thank you for all 3 postings. Just reading about it takes my breath away. I’m glad there are always 2 humans around so that you also get the support needed to deal with the tough moments. It is good to know that the chimp people make up quickly. Typical family life! Love to both the chimp and human people.
Steph & Kurt says
Our two male dogs have gotten in to several fights now, usually resulting in visits to the vet. It’s really scary and upsetting for us. I have to keep reminding myself that they are dogs and not human. I think it’s hard to see your ‘family’ getting hurt. Sorry you had to witness it, but I agree that the humans are probably way more traumatized than the chimps.