Food peering can be defined as one chimpanzee staring closely at the other chimpanzee’s face and/or directly at their food. (Also known as “if I stare long enough, maybe that person will share.”) Sometimes this behavior works and a chimp will share, depending on the value of the item and who the chimp is. However, the owner will often keep on eating and decline to share despite having another chimp peering at their the face. This behavior might seem uncomfortable and probably because it would be for us humans. But these guys do not seem to mind most of the time!
Negra was taking her time at breakfast and enjoying her bananas:
Jody had eaten her portion and noticed Negra still had bananas. Naturally, Jody began food peering:
Though Jody was food peering, Negra was not swayed. Negra stayed there and ate her bananas:
At least Jody gave it a try. What is that quote? “You miss 100 of the shots you don’t take.”:
Also bonus photos!
Burrito (pilo) walking on Young’s Hill this morning:
This one makes me giggle a little bit. I think it explains Jamie well. She has her people (Missy and Annie) grooming as she relaxes: