The result of our final introduction was disappointing, to say the least, but all hope is not lost. I’m sharing this short clip so you can see how Burrito and Willy B got along while separated by mesh. It was a 45-minute love fest. And this was the morning after their conflict.
This is a good illustration of one of the core truths of chimpanzee life: severe conflicts do not necessarily preclude or end meaningful relationships. We didn’t force these two to get together like this; they were desperate to be together, and remain so. They were scared at first, sure, but within minutes they were grooming, kissing, and even sticking fingers in each other’s mouths – a sure sign of trust. They got off to a bad start during their first meeting but they were intent on reconciling. And after just a short time together, they would actually seek each other out for reassurance when they got anxious.
Still, it’s important to remember that these one-on-one meetings through the mesh do not necessarily predict how they will behave when meeting in the same enclosure again or when surrounded by other chimpanzees (such as, ahem, a band of very closely-bonded and strong-willed females). Behavior does not exist in a vacuum. These two will be influenced by many of the same factors if and when they meet again in person. And they, in turn, will influence those around them. Perhaps next time there will be a little less fear and uncertainty.
Burrito and Willy B have had difficult lives and they’ve missed out on so much. But the door has not closed all the way. In the wild, bonds between males are lifelong and central to their social lives. Maybe it’s not too late for these two.
Marcia says
Oh I sure hope it’s not too late! This video is so heartwarming and gives me much hope for them. One moment and day at a time.
Karen says
What do you mean by “ final introduction”?
J.B. says
Sorry for any confusion – I mean the final step of our process for forming the group of ten. Specifically, adding Burrito and Foxie.
Sandra says
I think he meant that Burrito and Foxie were the last to be introduced after the successful integration of all the other chimps.
Marcie says
How sweet. Glad they were able to have a “guy moment” without any conflict. Thanks for sharing this update on our beloved males, they really are both handsome dudes.
Benjamin Pavsner says
I was wondering how the boys would get along. Thank the Maker they’re getting along.
There was a gorilla at the Atlanta zoo named Willie B. Is your Willie B. named in his honor?
Linda C says
Hi!
Wow, that gorilla was famous! Someone else asked the same question a week or so ago.
They said there was no connection. The B was put there by the lab, to denote that his mother was from a group loaned out.
Kathleen says
I didn’t realize that Burrito and Willy B had a direct conflict, it wasn’t clear to me who all piled on to Burrito after reading your reply from yesterdays blog. I am curious about how much time Burrito and Willy B had meeting between the mesh prior to their intro the other day. At this stage are there benefits to more time between the mesh for the two boys? Will more mesh time build comfort and confidence for the two boys or is the reality of including the ladies the true wild card in driving the outcome of the intro in the end? All those personalities (and emotions) coming together…. unpredictable elements.
Still, that finger touch at the end of video inspires hope.
Linda C says
Same here, Kathleen, I couldn’t figure out what the deal was, except that of course he was probably all pilo, ’cause he would have been excited….
So the references to the females makes me ask why Mave wasn’t able to work her wiggle magic….or did she not want to?
Even tho I’m still mad about Foxie’s perfect little ear, I’m starting to wonder if this man will ever be accepted completely by any group (vs just tolerated).
J.B. says
The initial conflict began when Willy B tried to slowly and peacefully approach Burrito and Burrito’s fear got the best of him. Foxie either reacted to Burrito or incited him, and before we knew it the two had launched after Willy B. Mave did her best to intervene as she has done in the past but with the full Cle Elum Seven group back together they reverted to defending their old relationships. Introductions are normally not stopped for injuries unless they are severe, but when conflicts become lopsided and don’t resolve quickly, we have to worry about everyone’s safety.
As for next steps, we’re still strategizing. There may be some mesh time, a couple brief dyadic introductions, or we may rearrange the order of the introduction sequence. Almost every expert has a different opinion on how to proceed, but they all agree that there is great potential in this group and that we should get right back to it.
Linda says
Thank you, JB, good to know you remain hopeful….so Plan A worked smoothly at first (with Neggie throwing in the little glitch)….back to the drawing board….sigh! I like the idea of mesh time, too….let them see how the other lives/behaves/smells, etc beyond just looking at each other through the window. Maybe it’ll give our goofy guy a greater feeling of security. Give Honey B that scooter, so he can see how it’s done!
I did notice that while he approached Willie through the mesh and allowed himself to be groomed, he wasn’t doing his usual “Burrito thing”, where he climbs high on the caging…he’s still hanging back, and low to the ground. I’d noticed some marks on Willie B’s face, too, so can imagine Mr B’s. Keeping fingers crossed for all 15+ of you:)
Maureen O'Malley says
I admit to being confused and even unhappy. I may have been naive in thinking all 10 of the chimps would form a new, single family. I hadn’t dreamed that one would be separated, and I didn’t think it would be Burrito. I thought that any difficulty would be in one or more of the 3 new members who wouldn’t be accepted. You said, JB, that this isn’t the end, and I wouldn’t expect it to be. But for now I’m so sad for dear Burrito and my heart goes out to everyone.
J.B. says
Burrito is only separated for a brief period so that he won’t re-injure himself through too much activity. He’ll be right back with other chimps as soon as he is cleared by our veterinarian.
Ultimately you are correct that it was some of the original chimps not accepting the new chimps, but the injuries don’t always tell the entire story of who did what to whom.
Sherry P says
Would it be possible to let the boys go out on the Hill together, just the 2 of them? Perhaps Burrito’s ego would be less threatened in a situation that is new to Willy B.
Your team is doing an amazing job and you’ll soon have them all sorted out. That adorable video clip is an indication of happier days ahead. 🙂
When all this conflict has been resolved, I hope one of you will write a blow-by-blow blog entry about this chapter in the life of CSNW. I, for one, have so many questions that I know you don’t have time or energy to answer at this time. 🙂
Francoise says
I would expect thevtwo of them on the hill together at this point would not be an option. CSNW would lose all ability to control the situation if something went wrong.
I’m thinking that it might mean adding one or two females into the mix bit by bit? Just my thought. I don’t know. But any social group has so many relationship combinations: each chimp to the whole group but also chimp to chimp, times 10, and then groups and pairs to other pairs, and so on. Mathematically, it’s taking 10 items and seeing how many combinations you can come up with. It’s been a long time since I did any math but I think it’s 100. It’s a huge challenge and I admire them so very much for taking it on.
Cara says
I am so impressed by all the staff at the sanctuary and how hard you are working to integrate this group. I just imagine if this was a human family that is trying to integrate three new family members and the conflicts that would ensue as everyone found their place in the new configuration. I think you are doing an amazing job, no matter what the outcome eventually is. I know you will do what is best for the chimps.
Linda says
Agreed, the obvious difference being, of course, that when we have those conflicts, we don’t lose digits or cartilage! The fact that none of them did gives hope…
Katherine says
I had the same thought about the hill being a bad idea. It would be too difficult to control the situation if they became violent with one another. Chimpanzees can and do kill each other. If they were out there and decided to try and kill each other, it would Ben over. Erode anyone would have a chance to do anything. If there was anything that could be done. I don’t know.