In case you missed Monday’s announcement: We’re back in the game.
The merging of two chimpanzee groups is almost always an emotional roller-coaster for chimpanzees and humans alike. We caregivers have to balance the immediate safety and comfort of each chimpanzee with our expectations for their long-term happiness and stability, all while working around the limitations of our existing facility and restricted schedule. For the most part, though, the reactions of the chimpanzees determine if, when and how the integration proceeds. There have been heartbreaking setbacks, such as last Wednesday’s chimp fight, that made us pause and regroup. There have also been intervals of uncertainty while the chimpanzees recuperated from stressful and exhausting experiences and we struggled to return to some sort of routine.
Most importantly, there have also been heartwarming breakthroughs, like Monday’s play session between Willy B and Burrito, that have encouraged us to keep on keepin’ on.
From our perspective as behaviorists and caregivers, the potential bond between Willy B and Burrito is worth all of the effort of integrating the two groups. Male chimpanzees are more gregarious than females and seem to have an inherent desire to spend time with each other. In the wild, males stay in the same communities for their entire lives and therefore develop and maintain lifelong partnerships with their male peers. Although adult male chimps sometimes fall victim to rivalry and violence, they generally have relationships characterized by cooperation, reciprocation, and trust. In captivity, although males may not be closely related and may be introduced to each other as unfamiliar adults, they still tend to form enduring and fulfilling friendships with other males.
Burrito has not had an opportunity to hang out with another male since long before he reached sanctuary. His friendships with individuals like Foxie, while still important, may not offer him the same excitement or comfort as his developing bond with Willy. Now that we understand more about Burrito’s insecurities and have seen how he tends to behave when encountering new chimpanzee neighbors, we are going to try a more gradual and controlled integration of the two groups. Hopefully, the two boys will form the solid core of the new social group.
Of course, there are other important friendships to consider as well. Jamie and Mave seemed to really hit it off, and Negra has often been seen playing with Honey B. Jody seems to have found the guy of her dreams in Willy B, and Missy has had the opportunity to play with, groom, and embrace her daughter (even if she probably has no way of knowing that).
For now, however, we will continue to advance slowly in order to remain considerate of each chimpanzee’s desires and anxieties. We will continue to trust the chimpanzees (because they are, after all, quite smart). For now, I recommend that you all enjoy the video of Burrito and Willy B’s first meeting without a barrier between them. I hope it brings you all the same joy and courage that the experience gave to us.
Kathy says
OMG, thank you for posting this. It brings tears in my eyes…just all that’s been involved and to see “that”. Wow, thank you. And now I’m speechless. Thank you for all that you do.
Maureen says
Oh, Burrito, Mr. Man! How happy for you! And Negra, good for you, to have found a playmate! Wonderful news! Smiling broadly!
John J O'Brien says
Thank you for videoing and sharing their encounter.
Sherry P says
Awwwww .. so happy to see the video posted today! Bless Willy B for being such a calm, patient fellow. Funniest game of “chase” ever! 😀 And hey, great choice of soundtrack!
Now, I’m longing to see Jamie and Mave reunited.
Lynn Wilson says
I am so happy to see Willy B. and Burrito finally together. It makes me feel really happy that it went so well. I can’t wait to see pictures of them together again. Thank you for all you do to make this a reality!
Linda C says
Oh, gosh, Anthony, thanks for posting this! When there was no post yesterday, I got really really worried that something really bad had gone down!
Ok, bust out the 2nd slinky, I think it’s time! 😀
Pity you can’t get Honey B in with the other females, because then you could try out Mave, Burrito, Neggie, and Willy B…
A 2 on 2, but even-sided, and all calming influences for him….then, The Tiny One would be the only one left to worry about….
Glad he’s feeling better…honestly, look at the size of Willy B’s incisors….and Burrito’s were removed….I guess I’d feel insecure in a fight, too!
Beautiful sunset pic!
Well, is tomorrow’s Jamieween happening, anyway?! I hope The Boss enjoys her birthday, even if things are too crazy to do a big shindig.
Kathleen says
I can’t imagine what you were feeling that day. Watching the video my heart was in my throat. Dear Burrito. Looks as if Mave isn’t the only one on top of sussing situations out, Willy B was certainly feeling his way through the best approach to get close to Burrito without pushing things. Slow and steady wins this race for all involved. Here’s to Bro Power.
Debi says
WOW…Such a movingly emotional video & blog…I feel a little weak in the knees, & I can’t seem to swallow that lump I feel in my throat…Such a beautiful story about animals strong intuition & patience, a degree of bravery or confidence exhibited by Burrito, & then even Willy B & Burrito’s (a bit tentatively but gently) offering their desire for friendship with.each other
Tobin says
Beautiful! I so look forward to more blog posts about these two having more play dates.
Michael and Arlene says
Amazing video and post. Thank you Anthony. It gives so much hope to know the second meeting went better for these two guys. We’re thinking of all of you and wishing for the best. Thank you for all you do.
Dawn Durbin says
That. Was. Awesome.
Again you have made my day. Thank you for sharing your experiences as you do the hard work of caring for these amazing creatures.
Watching repeatedly.
~Dawn
Trisha McQuade says
Did anyone notice that while Burrito played with Willy he was not interested in his toys!
Jo Lathrop says
Couldn’t be happier for them (and you all too) ~ all of you are doing a great job of integrating everyone and it’s a very hard job to begin with! Love and hugs to all….
Nancy Hedlund says
Where is sweet Annie in all of these new relationships? Her BFF Missy seems to be forming new friendships and I hope Annie doesn’t get left out. Please reassure me. Annie and I are pals and I’m just watching out for my girl.
Anthony says
That’s a good question, Nancy. Annie was one of the first chimps who met the new three (along with Jody and Missy) and was able to interact with them for over a week. Right now, as we give Burrito and Negra some quiet time with the three newbies, Annie is still residing with her familiar group (consisting of Missy, Jody, Jamie and Foxie).
In the days before the aforementioned brawl, she was doing relatively well with her new roommates. She’s especially wary of Willy B and Honey B, although she also seems interested in getting their attention. We kept her with Missy and Jody at all times to provide her with some support.
All ten chimps have now met at one point or another, and each dyad has had positive interaction in some form. We’re proceeding gradually, though, so it may be some time before Annie is reintroduced to her new acquaintances.
Katherine says
Awwww, Willie B’s play face! I love how he takes it easy with Burrito, like a powerful big brothers who understands that his little brother needs time. Thank you for sharing this. I fall in love with these chimpanzees more and more all the time.
Linda C says
He does have a great play face, doesn’t he!? As good as Jo’s
Laura B says
Wow! (Again) Had to watch this one repeatedly. Dear, sweet Burrito, worried about Willie’s brow ridge owie, working so hard to gather up his courage. Willie being the poster guy for patience, understanding and vigilantly watching for Mr. B’s signals. What classy smart and intuitive fellows they are. I’m with Linda C, Slinkys for everyone!!
I’ve seen the video of the girls doing that “follow walk.” Do you knowledgeable types know if this is for fun, bonding, social hierarchy or all of the above?? Did our buddy Burrito jettison his security mouth object for part of this play date? Are Willie B’s owies on his brow ridge and private parts from the melee? Thank you guys! CSNW staff rules!
Linda C says
The “follow walk” is what they call “chase”….think of it as slo-mo tag!
Anthony says
Chimpanzees have really flexible styles of play, and mix and match different elements depending on the context. We tend to refer to any type of playful locomotion as “chase” but the term really encompasses a wide range of behaviors. For example, Missy likes to mosey from window to window while caregivers run around the outside of the building to greet her at each location. Burrito likes to sprint across the Greenhouse and stomp in each corner, while Mave often shuffles behind Willy B and grabs his foot. Play has a variety of social and cognitive functions, especially in adolescent primates, but they also seem to do it just because it’s fun. 🙂
As for Burrito’s toys, he kept one nearby to shove in his mouth when he got excited about playing with Willy. It’s part of Bubba’s iconic style.
Willy still has some light wounds to his face from the big fight that are healing nicely. The other chimps have been grooming his scabs off, though, so he has a grizzly appearance right now.
Linda C says
He does have a great play face, doesn’t he!? As good as Jo’s
Judy says
Fantastic post… Heartwarming beyond belief video… what incredible studies in “human” nature… the psychology of each of them clearly wanting this to work… and yet the fear and trepidation involved. I think the after the big fight it’s incredible that they can do this well with each other. Hugs, love and great appreciation to you all!