Walking into the chimp house this morning we declared it “Thunderdome.” Or perhaps “Chimpdome” is more appropriate. In other words, the chimps were loud, riled up, arguing and being, well, chimps. We have mentioned before that it’s our goal with the blog to share the chimps’ lives and their natural behavior with you in a balanced, realistic and educational manner. And generally speaking, the chimps spend their days just as you see, playing, nesting, grooming, exploring and eating in a relatively mellow (if you’re a chimp) manner. And as you may be aware, it’s also very normal chimp behavior for them to be extra exuberant, argue and fight, but more often than not, we don’t have the foresight to grab the camera at those times to share with you. And today was no exception.
As the weather changes and colder, wetter days set in the chimps often initially react to the sudden changes in routine in much the same manner we do when we suddenly find ourselves stuck inside more often. Especially if we’re confined with friends and/or family members, it’s easier for tensions to build. And today the chimps spent the better part of the day hooting, hollering, screaming, arguing and fighting with one another over a variety of grievances and perceived injustices. Shortly after lunch, the chimps seemed to reach boiling point with whatever was going on between them and a particularly loud and wild rumpus of a fight broke out and even made it’s way onto Young’s Hill in the rain. (Don’t worry, no one was injured or harmed). Even Negra, who typically avoids such scenarios, had something to say and threw a plastic plate at Burrito.
When fights break out between the chimpanzees the humans stay out of it. It’s the chimps’ business and it’s of utmost importance that they work it out between themselves without us adding to the issues. Fights don’t usually last long and typically resolve with everyone in a big grooming pile re-establishing their bonds. What we humans do during fights is plug our ears (screaming chimps are ear-splittingly loud) and calmly as possible follow and observe them so that we can be aware of the dynamics of the group, who the fight was between (which often morphs and changes as the fight continues) and if anyone incurs any injuries. No, it’s not always easy to watch, but the more you become familiar with chimp behavior, you realize it’s more often than not a lot of bluster, chasing and yelling. The chimps don’t often even make contact with one another.
After airing all their grievances the chimps went to their respective corners and spent the rest of the rainy afternoon in their individual nests, no one speaking to one another. But chimps being the social beings they are, spending time alone after fighting means things haven’t been resolved. So Anna, JB and I monitored from afar and after a long afternoon of silence, the chimps finally huddled together in groups, grooming and making up. Just in time for dinner. 🙂
While the chimps took a time out from one another, I managed to get a few photos. Here’s Foxie enjoying a bucket of warm berry tea from an earlier tea forage:
Jamie perusing a new magazine from her nest:
Burrito, yawning and resting up:
The chimps enjoyed a peaceful dinner and after we took a few runs (literally) around Young’s Hill before dark with Jamie, they are each tucked into their nests for the night, lights out and back to a peaceful state. For the time being. I suspect we will all sleep well tonight.
Kathleen says
Thanks for todays story, sounds like a rough day for everyone. Was todays ‘fight aftermath’, with the chimps choosing to remain alone, normal for them or was it an unusually long time of being apart? How did they come together to finally make up? (And I hate to admit it but I was sort of giggling over Negra tossing a plastic plate at Burrito!)
Katelyn says
Hi Kathleen, hmmmmm, good question. It did seem to be an unusually long time for them to remain apart as individuals (with the exception of Annie and Missy who were grooming together while everyone else avoided one another). Even if those in the fight choose to avoid each other for awhile, they are typically with at least one other person often grooming as a gesture of comfort and reassurance, to tend any wounds, and/or as a “political” move in response to hierarchy and group dynamics from the fight. I was thinking about this and Foxie is very often the peacemaker of the group, helping to resolve conflicts and encouraging everyone to get along. But today she was a rare contender in the big fight and took quite a bit of time by herself afterward. It makes me wonder if things would have been different otherwise. But who knows? And yes, we couldn’t help but smile about Negra’s plate flinging either. 🙂
diane d. says
I have tons of magazines. Mostly Catalogs. Which I usually put in the Recycle Bin. Would you like to have them.
Katelyn says
Hi Diane, thanks for the offer, that’s very kind of you! We have really limited storage space though and staff and volunteers seem to keep our available magazine space full so far. Thanks again for asking. 🙂
Julia says
I just love seeing the pictures, reading the stories, and watching the videos. Have you ever thought about having a “chimp cam?” Something that could record live feed from a particular area? That could also increase donations… 🙂 I know I would tune in every day!
Katelyn says
Hi Julia, thanks so much for following the chimps! We have thought about a chimp cam! But the logistics are a bit challenging at this time. The construction of the chimp house has lots of nooks and crannies so to speak and it would be difficult to find a place that would have a clear view of much. We also have to take into consideration safe housing for the equipment as that’s the first thing the chimps would want to investigate and we struggle with internet connectivity in our rural location so have chosen to go with the GoPro’s on Young’s Hill. But you never know in the future – thanks for asking!
Francoise says
Ditto on the plate throwing. What a giggle.
I have always thought that humans could learn a very great deal from chimps about how to get along. Perhaps there would be fewer wars.