As we continue to develop our plan to move forward with the introductions between Cy’s Group and Willy B’s Group with two-on-twos, we are continuing with the one-on-one introductions between group members in the meantime on a varied schedule. Today, both titans met for the second time today. When the doors opened between them, Cy tried to initiate a game of chase with Willy B, though he was a little hesitant at first. But once Willy B’s courage built up, they engaged in chase. Afterward, they had a very long grooming session with each other.
As you may hear in the video, both were breathy panting and teeth clacking. Teeth clacking is one of the noises chimpanzees produce when they are engaged in grooming. There are a few theories as to why chimpanzees make these noises when they groom. One of those theories is that it is a way for one chimpanzee to indicate to the other that their intention is to groom them. These noises become more prevalent when the chimpanzees find something particularly interesting to groom on their partner. Grooming also plays a big role in chimpanzee social life. Besides the hygienic aspect of removing any dead skin, scabs, or parasites, the act of grooming itself is a way to initiate, maintain, and enhance the social bond between individuals. There’s a certain level of trust that goes into letting somebody groom you, and in the case of chimpanzees, the area in which they groom.
These are all positive signs between the two big gentlemen.
Other Bonus Photos From Today:
Linda C says
Another good day!
Thanks, Chad!
Stevie Gillis says
as much as i love my Buritto, Cy seems to have some sort of hold on me. Willy B; well lets just say watching him finally step onto the moon (the day i watched with baited breath as he finally stepped outside the chute) to get the nuts to him reminding Chad he hadnt stole the ladies food (i saw him swipe minimally :grin:) im just going to love all my men chimpanzees and i truly admire/love all the sweet ladies but i identify with Negra! many times i have passed breakfast to sleep. and lastly-the staff. All of you are special people and thank you for taking care of these beauties!
Betsy says
I learn something new here every day!
Nancy D says
That Cy is a handsome brute! He and Willie B are quite the teeth clackers, I have not heard that term before today but will listen for it again. I just can’t get enough of watching all 16 of the magnificent chimps.
Linda C says
Annie blows raspberries!
CarolR says
How do you separate the chimps and get just the two that you want? I saw in a previous blog that they all tend to hang around, hoping that it will be their turn! 😀
Kim Harris says
Good question! It would be interesting to see a video of this being accomplished.
Tobin says
When the Academy Awards for CSNW videos are announced early next year, I fully expect to
read that “Clack of the Titans” has at least one nomination, not the least of which should be for Sound Quality. Oh, what a beautiful sound! Willy seems so happy to have made a new friend. I so hope that those two can become close buddies with each other.
Kim Harris says
As much as I love all of the blogs, pics and videos, I particularly enjoy these educational, informative blogs.
And that Cy sure is a handsome fella!
Kathleen says
I am so pleased to see Willy B making new guy friendships. Maybe in reality it makes no difference what so ever to him, Burrito seems as happy as one can be surrounded by all females so who knows. But it brings me joy seeing and hearing these two connecting. Progress being made, once again, through Willy B’s continuing bravery to embrace new experiences.
Nancy says
Wow! Deafening grooming sounds!:grin: Great to see??
Nancy says
I meant Great to see??
nancy says
Oops I guess it posts ?? instead of the heart/face emoji
Linda C says
we used to have to use old school stye emojis. now they’re at the upper right corner (tap the smiley face)