Fights are really common among chimpanzees. Being a caregiver you get used to the intense screaming, which often occurs even during fights with no contact between participants. You also know by the sounds when things have escalated. There was a conflict about a week ago which resulted in some minor bite wounds between Foxie and Burrito. After a brief squabble this afternoon, this pair spent a lot of time grooming each other.
The wounds were the initial focus of the grooming – chimps will closely inspect injuries on themselves and each other and clean them up by removing debris. So, grooming is good for their physical health. It’s also important for the social health of the group. The act of grooming is the chimpanzee way of healing and strengthening bonds. (For more on fighting and making up, see also J.B.’s post Conflict and Reassurance with amazing photos of a reassurance hug between Burrito and Foxie from May 4th).
Burrito
Foxie
Foxie grooming Burrito
sometimes grooming turns into playing – another great way to strengthen social bonds
Absolutely fantastic photos, again! Love that picture of Burrito, such a handsome fellow. Thanks to all of you for being great teachers, I’ve learned so much about chimpanzees from all of you.
Great photos as always. 🙂
It’s fab to see the bonds between the group getting stronger and stronger as time passes.
I never tire of seeing pictures of the chimps and their closeness when they groom or play. It amazes me how forgiving they are. Chimps don’t hold grudges. I wish us humans could be as benevolent.
Amazing photos of the two of them. Thanks for posting them for us. I love all of them all the time. I love those 7 chimps you guys have so much. Thank you for the hard ward that is done to take great care of them. God bless all of you.
Hi Folks,
I happen to notice that Burrito has a piece missing out of one of his ears. Did that is happen when at CNSW or before he arrived? I read a book about the Chimps Frans DeWal wrote about a zoo in the Netherlans and twp younger Chimps teamed up and violently tore the Older, Once Alpha, to shreds in which he passed away. Some of these fights for power can get way out of hand. Maybe a good thing that Burrito is the stand alone male at CNSW.
That injury happened before Burrito came to CSNW. It probably was the result of a conflict. Chimpanzee Politics by Frans de Waal is a really great read. There’s a rumor that Newt Gingrich recommended new congress members read it back in the 90s so they could learn more about human power and politics.
I like how Burrito is biting his fingers in the last picture…..we’ve seen that before when he’s trying not to laugh (as we interpret it!)
Actually, he’s biting Foxie’s fingers 🙂
What’s up with Burrito and Foxie these days? They’ve been getting on each other’s nerves lately….