While no match for equatorial Africa, living in rural Cle Elum does afford the chimpanzees some interesting experiences. The other day a garter snake made its way into the chimp house, and the chimps let their feelings on the matter be known.
Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
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What happened to the video? Coming back?
How long did it take them to calm down?
There it is! I wonder if that was the first time some of them had seen a garter snake. Hard to tell if they were scare or very very curious.
brilliant footage loved their alarm calls who was the bravest i wonder ?
Isn’t fear of snakes a learned behavior among chimpanzees? Could they perhaps have learned the alarm call response at a very young age in the wild?
Laura – Most of the Cle Elum Seven were born in captivity in the U.S. As for whether fear of snakes is learned or instinctual, it’s probably a bit of both. Since it is unlikely that all of the chimps here have not only encountered snakes in their past, but learned through a negative experience to fear them, there seems to be an instinctual component.
It shows that they never lose their natural instincts when danger lurks and something different appears. However large and intimidating it may be the warning signs will be given. But also when as small as the snake was it could be just as dangerous in the wild so the same approach is taken. The inquisitive nature always astounds me when I see it all stood looking exactly the same as we do when something catches our attention.
I have seen chimps demonstrate behaviors that are considered “learned” yet they are orphans from a very young age. Tamu, a one and half year old infant, saw a frog in the enclosure at Chimp Eden and started alarm calling. All the adults and other babies came running and everyone kept a distance. These were all rescued chimps who were in captivity from a very young age and many of them were caged alone with no other chimp around.
Any thoughts on learned behaviors vs instinctual behaviors, Sarah, Diane, or J.B.?
what a great video! it makes me think that the learned component would be to give an alarm call at ANYTHING that appears alive and foreign and near them. Given the PTSD aspects of their respective histories – when almost anything that was unfamiliar represented a threat of some kind – I would think they would alarm call at any creature that found its way into their haven – is that true? Would a squirrel or a dog alarm them equally? or do you think it was the snake specifically? And Peter, I agree – that image of them all standing around looking at it was so….human!! that’s exactly what the humans do when we see a snake where we don’t expect it. Some of us even scream at first!! Astounding and really quite captivating to watch them. It makes me just want to squeeze them. I can see how human “owners” of chimp “pets” can get confused about the nature of these creatures. It’s so very easy to love them, and to identify with them, when they do behaviors that seem so similar to our own. You forget for a minute what you’re dealing with. Just a really wonderful little video, thanks all! -K
Kaite – The chimps are accustomed to seeing a variety of creatures around the sanctuary grounds. Horses, goats, and deer graze nearby, dogs occasionally visit, and smaller animals like squirrels and chipmunks often hang around. Critters small enough to make their way through the caging into the chimps’ enclosure (mice, the occasional bird, one unfortunate packrat) are typically killed by the chimps. While these animals — the ones misguided enough to enter the chimps’ space — do elicit an aggressive response, I think the fear/wariness prompted by the snake is somewhat unique.
MS – That was Jamie.
How brave of you, Diana, to capture and show the snake to them! I love Missy’s curiosity and little “comment” at the end!! Good comments, Kaite!
I just love how they come closer, then run away, then come back for another look.
Who was being the most vocal? It sounds like one was really worked up.
clever Jamie shes looking out for her chimp family lovely girl xxxx
For some reason I am completely captivated by this video! I can’t stop watching it! Their reactions are so fascinating, particularly the group dynamic of it all. And their curiosity when you are showing them the snake!! Is that Burrito in the back? Hanging out letting the girls handle things? I love Foxie bringing her ever present troll up with her to check things out and I think that is Missy at the very end? LOVE her tentative little “hoo..hah..hoo.” So interesting and wonderful ~ thanks for this!
I enjoy reading the comments as much as I enjoy the videos. Of course, Number 1 enjoyment is the Chimps being well and happy.
I had read the comments when the video first posted but was unable to see the video until now. It was an interestingperspective to read then watch. I loved the video and watched quite a few times and agree with everyone’s comments. Yes I too love the hoots by Missy at the end and Foxie protecting her troll. I must admit I did feel for the snake. I wonder what he was feeling?