Given that we share around 99% of our DNA, it is not surprising that chimpanzees and humans have much in common. Both species, for example, are very territorial. We might not think of ourselves as territorial creatures, but imagine how you might feel if you looked out your living room window and saw a stranger standing in your front yard peering in at you. Free-living chimpanzee communities will defend their territories, sometimes violently, against intruders from neighboring communities. (Sound familiar?)
One of the ways chimpanzees express their territoriality is through a display. During a display, a chimpanzee stands bipedally (upright); swaggers back and forth; makes a lot of noise by banging or throwing objects; and exhibits pilo-erect hair (hair standing on end). All of these behaviors serve to make the individual appear much bigger and more intimidating than he or she really is.
Defending a territory isn’t the only reason a chimpanzee might display; displays can also be associated with dominance. Jamie, who is the most dominant member of the Cle Elum Seven, displays several times a day. (Although it is almost always male chimpanzees who display in free-living situations, it is not uncommon for females to display — and to be dominant — in captivity.) Jamie displays to defend her home, to exert her dominance, and even, it seems, to alleviate boredom.
Below is a video of one of Jamie’s displays. You’ll notice many of the behaviors I described above. Despite spending the last three decades in the most unnatural and impoverished situations, it seems Jamie has figured out just how to be a chimpanzee.
Impressive! Jinga, at Chimp Eden, would display at the other girls when they fought and also at the second ranked male if he was bullying her girls. With her thick hair standing on end she was an impressive sight. I admire their displays myself. It shows how strong and powerful chimps really are. Some people may be disturbed by it but I think they are beautiful in their displays.
Wait — you didn’t mention that drumming is part of the display… 😉
Goodness gracious! A sturdy fence between Jamie and the camera in those last few seconds was certainly reassuring …
And LOL – love the hopping. And the drumming. Noise! Noise! More noise!!!!!
She sure is making a lot of noise to defend her territory. Awesome!
Absolutely amazing! I find their displays fascinating. Not only do you see their pure power but I feel you also see a bit of their personality and style come through.
I wonder, are the displays always completely different or do the chimps have their special movements that are repeated??
thumbs-up to the person whose idea it was to get that barrel in there
Jamie sure has a mighty impressive display and boy does she got a good rhythm & beat goin’ on there .. move over, respectfully, Mr. Puente.