Foxie and Burrito are very good friends. But even best friends fight from time to time.
This morning, as we were preparing to serve breakfast, Burrito launched into a display in the outdoor area. He had been on edge all morning and his display was probably a little more aggressive than usual. I couldn’t see what happened, but in an instant there was a lot of screaming and Burrito was tearing back into the playroom with Foxie hot on his heels. A few seconds later, the girls had him cornered, and Foxie tackled him from behind.
When chimps fight, everything happens so quickly that it’s difficult to make out what exactly happened. But after the fight had ended, Burrito was left with a cut above his eye, a cut on his back, and a huge bruise to his ego.
The rest of the day was uneventful but tense, as Burrito’s conflict with Foxie and the other girls still had not been resolved. Chimps seek out reassurance, often immediately after a fight, but Burrito and Foxie had not yet made up. So later in the afternoon, Burrito launched into a brief display and then dove into Foxie’s arms. They hugged momentarily and then spent 15 minutes quietly grooming one another. Burrito found the reassurance he was looking for.
oh stop with the pictures ! these brought a tear to my eye ! if only us humans could solve our fall outs to nicely , its so good to see the chimps behaving so naturally x
That’s one of the most beautiful hugs I’ve ever seen….
How sweet to see them hugging and grooming each other. That look on Burrito’s face in the first photo says it all. It is amazing how well they all interact with each other after so many years of solitude. They are wonderful. Thank you for these photos and observation.
One of the things I love most about chimps is they forgive quickly and don’t hold grudges. If humans were more like them it would be a much more peaceful world.
again, great pictures … i always enjoy the stories that let us know that they are chimps, endearing AND aggressive; if we were to be more like the chimp, we would probably do better emulating the bonobo: make love, not war …
Poor Burrito, he was the recipient, of a few bruises, at the last big disagreement.
Questions:
1) Whenever there’s this big of a disagreement, I know it happens quickly, but do you all remain silent and let it play out or do you call out to them to calm down?
2) Do you try to get some ointment on Burrito’s boo-boo’s, I know it would be difficult or do you let nature heal them?
I, particularly, love the second picture because Burrito’s facial expression looks like “relief.” It isn’t always easy to be the first to reconcile after an argument, I’m glad Burrito did.
I’m truly amazed at the kind of pictures you’re shooting these days, Washington State University must love the great photos you’ve taken. You’re able to photograph moments that I imagine aren’t easy to get in the wild, your photographic documentation is brilliant!
Cindy, I hope you don’t mind if I try to answer your questions.
During a conflict we try to go about whatever it was we were doing or more than likely we just stop what we are doing and try to watch it all play out. When they get into a large conflict like yesterday morning they (the chimps) only have one thing in mind and that is the conflict itself. It can be very difficult to watch and we all want to do something to stop it but it is part of the chimpsanzee culture and they need to work it out between each other.
On the most part “Boo-Boo’s” heal very well and very quickly on their own. Grooming is a large part of that healing process, as they keep the wound open and extra blood flow to the area. The staff takes note of all wounds and the area and individual is watch closely. If swelling and infection sets in then anti-biotics will be given.
I’m so sorry “CANDY” please forgive…….
Denice, I never mind your input, you always impart such great information to all of us. About the name mix-up, puh-lease, I’m the oldest of 5 daughters: Candy, Cindy, Celisa, Cathy & Christy, so my mother, bless her, usually goes through the whole list of names. I’ve learned to answer to any of the names listed above.
I think the way you all handle these situations is the way to go, because, after all, they are more than capable of reaching a solution.
Great photos as usual, capturing all different aspects of their daily lives. The things you see and document would play out the same in the wild no doubt, so i suppose you have to let it take its course. The making up part as well is a classic guys way, well done Burrito keep us in the good books. Back on friendly terms and life goes on, until the next time……
erm excuse me Mr cross ” classic guys way ” you never make the first move to make up you are as stubborn as a mule lol lol
says me by the way 😉
I agree with Candy…I love the love of relief in Burrito’s face in the second picture.
I swear sometimes they do things like this that make them seem, to me, more evolved emotionally than we are. So many people hold grudges too long. I love these very touching pictures. So happy to hear all is well again. 🙂
What a great post! I am studying this very thing (conciliatory behavior) in wild chimps in the Kibale Forest. If only I could capture such great photos.
Jessica, I’ve got to ask, are you really in the Kibale Forest, observing the chimps?
WOW! Thank you JB. Not only for the photos but the story behind them. Yes, I too did my fair share of tearing up. I just love those guys and the way they act toward each other. What a blessing they are.
Those photos made me go aaaahhh. Bet burrito had been waiting for that chance all day, his relief was obvious.