One of the first things you realize when you begin working with chimps is that you are not in charge. We humans may have larger brains, but believe me, the chimps are just not that impressed.
On a good day, they graciously allow us into their world as friends or playmates. On a bad day, we are unwilling participants (usually the victim) in their constantly unfolding social dramas. But most of the time we are merely spectators, forced to watch impotently from the sidelines.
Fights are a good example of this. If you’ve worked with chimps for a while, you can forget what it was like to witness your first fight – the piercing screams, bodies leaping and rolling and flailing across the enclosure, the huge canine teeth bared for all to see. The first time you see it, you wonder if anyone will come out alive. But after a while, you get used to it, and you start to differentiate between regular squabbles and the more serious fights based on the tenor of the screams alone. You get so immune to it, in fact, that during minor fights you don’t even bother looking up from your computer until you notice a new volunteer breaking out in tears and wondering how a group of people so heartless and unsympathetic could have ever been placed in charge of a sanctuary.
The thing is, even if we wanted to intervene in a fight, there’s not a whole lot we could do. When chimps are fighting, they are intensely focused on the task at hand. When the potential for a life-threatening fight is high, as the case may be during social introductions, caregivers might try to break up a fight by spraying the chimps with a hose or firing a CO2 extinguisher into the air with the hope that the noise will distract them just long enough to get them separated. But most of the time, all we can do is stand by and assess the damage.
We often joke that it’s the chimps that run the sanctuary, not us, but there’s more than a bit of truth to that idea. Within these walls, we have no choice sometimes but to play by their rules.
Fascinating. And appropriately humbling.
Is that Negra pleading for her much desired beach ball Piñata?! I’d either be the new volunteer crying at the first bad fight I’d see or I would have turn away because it would be too much for me to watch. ; )
I could only imagine that the fighting could be terrifying. You’re story about it however, is hilarious. 🙂
I could only imagine that the fighting could be terrifying. Your story about it however, is hilarious. 🙂
Your observations are so wittily on target! I love getting your views about what all is going on!! We’re always learning! What is happening with Negra, the beachball and the outstretched arm? Thanks!
Thanks, Janet! See this post from 2014 for an explanation of that photo: https://chimpsnw.org/2014/09/hierarchy/
Thanks J.B. for posting that link. I am fascinated by conflict, displays, and the “politics” (if that’s the correct word) of chimpanzee hierarchy and how they get there. Chimps are such amazing people. Your insight always welcomed!
I remember clearly my first witness to an all out fight with the “7”. I had heard a few squabbles but my first true all about fight was overwhelming frightening. The squabbles were all witnessed while I was a Level 1 volunteer on kitchen duty and some what removed from the action. My first full on fight was while in training as a Level 2 volunteer. The chimpanzees had access to the front rooms and the green house but NOT the playroom where we were cleaning. As the squabble escalated into a full on fight I was so scared I backed myself into a corner and just stood there, frozen in time, scrub brush in hand. I was working with J.B. who was focused on the chimps and trying to determine what was going on with the group. Once things settled down, (I know it was only minutes but seemed more like hours) J.B. was able to take note of my emotional state. He tried his best to reassure me that this was a normal chimpanzee behavior and that it was a good thing and everything would be fine. I, on the other hand had to excuse myself and go outside for a moment to gather my wits, this means I cried my eyes out for what seemed like hours but I know it was only for a moment.
Thanks Denice for sharing your experience. Can’t imagine what it would be like between the noise, the quick interactions and the fighting. Like I said, I know I’d break down too. Whew.
I have imagined that sanctuary life for the CE7 is not all flips and tickles, so I appreciate this post that gives us another view into their world. Thank you, Denice, for sharing your experience too.
It’s scary when my little chihuahua shows her teeth!! I can only imagine how intimidating these displays are! And how helpless it must feel to not be able to intervene, only safely observe. And hope it passes quickly with minimal or no damage.
I LOVE this, J. B., and thanks for posting about it.
I just got done reading the one from 2014, and that makes me wonder something: You guys are pushing to expand the sanctuary so that you can add others to it soon. But in the 2014 posting, you describe in great detail the difficulties even the Chimps themselves have had in learning how to form and follow their own hierarchy because of their pasts and childhoods.
What will that complex and unwritten hierarchy do for the new incoming Chimpanzees? Are you counting on the fact that they, too, will be coming from a past riddled with labs, entertainment, exploitation and abuse just like our 7 and every other Chimpanzee sanctuary in existence, and that whatever occurs, you’ll still have to let them solve it for themselves, or just that other sanctuaries have already navigated those social drama waters with the additions of their new Chimps and you’ll have plenty of resources and support to cross that bridge if you ever find yourselves coming to it? Because this isn’t a traditional hierarchy, are you concerned that it may pose a real risk to incoming Chimpanzees, be they adult or infant?
I’ve seen other Chimps fighting and resolving their own conflicts, and sometimes the one in Negra’s position will extend their arm, and the receiving Chimp will put it in their mouth–a gesture I’ve also seen them do when seeking reassurance from their care-givers. (Eugene Cussons from Escape to Chimp Eden used to talk about this, except it wasn’t hands, it was heads.)
But do you know the meaning of that? I’m only hypothesising here, but it seems that this gesture may be one indicative of the ultimate sign of trust for the one receiving the arm. I can’t remember who might have said it, but I’ve seen someone else mention it in interviews. For some reason, I’m thinking they explained it to mean that if a Chimp (or human) extends their arm as Negra did, it’s a sign of total submission and trust in the one receiving it, since they know that Chimp has the power to rip their arm in two if they so chose.
*groan* I hope this is coming out right.
Thanks, again.
Hi Carla,
Your first question about the introduction of new chimps into the Cle Elum Seven family would make a good blog post topic on its own. Maybe I can answer it in detail on Friday?
Regarding the extended arm…I think you are correct. A lot of submissive and reassuring gestures involve offering up parts of the body in ways that require a lot of trust, like biting heads, hands, or lips. My gender may bias me here, but perhaps the greatest example of this is when subordinate males place their scrotum in the hands of a dominant male as an act of submission. This is about as vulnerable as you could be 🙂
There’s a lot at stake in chimp communication, so their gestures are often clear signals of intent. A bipedal, pilo-erect charge shows that a chimp is willing to fight. A pronated wrist extended toward another individual says “I mean you no harm” because the hand, one of a chimps’ primary weapons, is retracted. And putting yourself in a vulnerable position means “I am at your mercy.”
Hi, J.B.,
Thank-you so much for your in-depth and informative reply. Forgive any typos–I’m typing this one-handed as my Bengal, Chairman Meow, is asleep on my left arm. ;P
You wrote:
Your first question about the introduction of new chimps into the Cle Elum Seven family would make a good blog post topic on its own. Maybe I can answer it in detail on Friday?
Absolutely!!! This answer excited me very much, as I have been fascinated to the point of near obsession over trying to figure out the social structure of both Chimpanzees *and*
Bonobos, and how they compare to other Simians, namely humans. It seems when born into a troop, the infants know by instinct that grooming and other social behaviours are to be viewed as an esteemed ritual that inaugurates one fully into that family. And yet, Burrito has proven that if one has been deprived of even a small part of that crucial interaction, it affects the Chimp through adulthood, possibly proving that behaviour over biology forms a larger part of our learning than what we originally thought. Humans have gone on the idea that sex is part of our instinct. And yet, poor B doesn’t even know what to do with his.
I’m simply amazed by all of this.
You wrote:
Regarding the extended arm…I think you are correct. A lot of submissive and reassuring gestures involve offering up parts of the body in ways that require a lot of trust, like biting heads, hands, or lips. My gender may bias me here, but perhaps the greatest example of this is when subordinate males place their scrotum in the hands of a dominant male as an act of submission. This is about as vulnerable as you could be 🙂
I’ve never seen this gesture from chimps on videos, and because I’ve never seen one in a zoo, have never witnessed this, so wasn’t aware this was part of the ritual. I would agree–pretty vulnerable since I’m sure it’s a sensitive area on the male chimps as well.
I’m seeing clear juxtaposition here–as gruff and violent as chimps can be, when they are in a vulnerable and sensitive position, it sounds as if you won’t see a more soft and gentle creature. Incredible!
You wrote:
There’s a lot at stake in chimp communication, so their gestures are often clear signals of intent. A bipedal, pilo-erect charge shows that a chimp is willing to fight. A pronated wrist extended toward another individual says “I mean you no harm” because the hand, one of a chimps’ primary weapons, is retracted. And putting yourself in a vulnerable position means “I am at your mercy.”
Wow, this is simply amazing stuff. Thanks for taking the time to explain and/or confirm my suspicions. Looking forward to the posting, whenever you get to it! <3
I have loved every minute of watching and seeing everything from this site, Facebook, and YouTube. Thank you for keeping all of us up-to-date. I would love to visit someday or even work there, as I’m planning on going to school next fall for Zoo Keeping/Animal Management next fall. Of all of the sanctuaries that I follow, CSNW always posts regularly. Thank you, I’ve been learning a lot!
So a question: Seeing that you are talking about who’s the boss here, I’m wondering that considering that Jamie is the Alpha, and seeing that Burrito is the only male. Does this group social structure attribute itself more as a group of Bonobos (in a way)? Is Burrito submissive to Jaime or any of the other females? Or does he just have no interest of being in charge? This is an interesting dynamic of only having one male with six other females. I’m sure it could be part of earlier confinement and non-social interaction (or if he is sterilized as well).
Side question/request: I would love to see some videos or a blog about more about the staff at CSNW. Who are you all? Who makes all of what you do on a daily basis happen?
Thanks, Adam! I don’t have any first hand experience with bonobos, but from what I know, their social structure is quite different from what we see here. It’s true that bonobos are matriarchal, and here we also have a female in charge, but that’s probably where the similarities end. Burrito tries very hard to be in charge, but he is outwitted and outnumbered at every turn. He lacks social experience, which makes it difficult for him to play by the normal rules of the chimp world, and he also lacks other males companions that could help support his dominance (or who he could help support). He will never be able to relive his childhood, but we do hope that he will have some male companions in the near future. It will be interesting to see how that could affect the hierarchy.
The staff at CSNW are a reclusive, mysterious bunch, who prefer to remain on our side of the camera 🙂 But on occasion we have posted about the people that run the sanctuary, as well as the daily routine. Perhaps we will do so again soon to introduce you to some of the newest staff members. Best of luck in your studies!
Burrito tries very hard to be in charge, but he is outwitted and outnumbered at every turn.
OMG, I laughed SO hard at this I couldn’t catch my breath. Just the vision of goodball Burrito, maybe jumping up and down, screeching his POV, and Jamie sitting there calmly, the other 5 females gathered behind her, Jamie snickering as she points to him, as if to say, “Y’know, B, the decision’s already been made. Go home, little man.”
I hadn’t considered that a lack of other males would influence how well he could enforce his dominance position, but now that I think about it, you’re right. The seeking and reassurance they do is a huge part of establishing that hierarchy, I guess. (Although to me, seeking reassurance from another to establish a position of power would look like a weak move; a very insecure thing to do, so why is it the chimps don’t view it as such?) And even then, I’m seeing that an established alliance in a previous skirmish can change in a present one.
Cool stuff!
Thanks for the info J.B! Much appreciated!
Hey, Adam,
Do you follow the Cincinnatti Zoo on Facebook or YouTube? They house many of the only 80 Bonobos that live in zoos here in the states in a SUPERB exhibit, and post updates daily and often like CSNW. They’re also great about replying and interacting with their subscribers. I think I learned more about gorillas during their 14-part “Gorillification of Gladys” and “Gorillification of Kamina” series than from any reading I’ve ever done elsewhere. (I’m not in zoo management or primatology, I’m pursuing double doctorates in Astrophysica and Applied Mathematics, but I’ve loved chimps since I could walk. Click on my name and you’ll see the portrait of Burrito I just finished that I’m donating to CSNW.) It’s certainly where I learned about the Great Species Survival Plan currently in place in Zoos all over North America.
Good-luck in your studies.
*Astrophysics
Grrr.
Hi Carla!
I don’t currently follow the Cincinnati Zoo. I will look them up. I have been to the zoo there, although that was many many years ago.
And now I will also need to track down that picture of Burrito of yours!
Thank you much!
Carla, The portrait is beautiful!!! Well done!!!!
<3 🙂
He *is* the love of my life.