One the challenges associated with doing introductions, besides the introductions themselves, is getting all of the different individuals and groups where they need to be. You have to pull certain individuals from their groups temporarily and move them to the space where the intro will be held. Other chimps have to clear that area. While all of this is going on we have to clean. And when an intro has gone on long enough, the chimps need to split up in the right order so they can go back with their groups. It’s like that puzzle where the fox, the chicken, and the bag of grain have to be taken across the river in a boat, except in this case everyone in the boat is also spitting at you and threatening to capsize it. Tonight, Kelsi has the pleasure of getting everyone to the other side of the river safely, which is why I am writing the blog in her place.
Today we picked up the with introduction that we postponed yesterday. At that time, Willy B, Mave, and Honey B were engaged in a little too much aggressive behavior at the mesh with Cy, Rayne, and Lucky for us to proceed in the time we had. One thing we’re seeing this time around is that Mave is not always going to lead the way as she did during attempts to integrate her group with the Cle Elum Seven. In fact, Mave has often taken longer to warm up during group intros at the mesh than her group mates. This initial aloofness, and at times aggression, eventually fades and she solicits attention and grooming from the others. Fortunately, this morning we planned some extra time for Mave to make up her mind and eventually it was clear that she was ready.
The group of six came together in the front rooms with a chorus of pant grunts, and soon they were chasing, wrestling, and laughing. Mave and Rayne engaged in a raucous wrestling match. I always hold my breath when they play like this during intros, and this time that kind of fear was justified, as Mave soon became overwhelmed and screamed. Her scream, amplified by the tentativeness of the whole situation, led the group to pile up in a brief conflict. Kelsi, Jen, and the other staff members supporting them kept their cool and separated the chimps temporarily. As the fight resulted from a simple misunderstanding during play, there were no hard feelings and the group was quickly reunited with just a couple of boo boos to memorialize the event.
The boys came together to groom after that, which is a great sign. The previous morning, I was watching them emerge from their nests after their sleepover. Male chimps like to display in the morning, and their displays lent an air of tension to the situation. They seemed to want to interact, but both were too nervous to make the first move. Luckily, chimpanzees have a process for just this type of scenario. They came together across the mesh – right next to an open doorway – and groomed. After establishing trust with the mesh between them, Willy B walked through the doorway and they continued grooming face to face.
Once today’s group of six seemed relatively stable, it was time to give them access to a playroom. This is another sign of trust – that the caregivers trust the cohesion of the group enough to temporarily lose them to a larger space where breaking up a conflict becomes more difficult. They did wonderfully. And just to make Kelsi’s day, they split back up into their original groups of three for the night without too much difficulty.
I have such admiration for our staff, and such appreciation for Jen who has led us through this process. I’d love it if we get all nine together someday. But we may not. The process continues and soon we’ll be getting Terry, Dora, and Gordo in one some of these smaller group dates. Whether we’re ultimately successful or not, some of the relationships that have already formed are too good to let slip away, and Willy B, Mave, and Honey B will either have a new family or endless play dates in their future.
It’s great to hear you talk of future play dates as a minimum, JB! I so wish it could have happened on the other side, but it is what it is….
Not to be morbid, but since the CE 7 are aging….what happens when that family dwindles to 2 or 3?
That’s a great question. At that point we will have to assess whether they could be integrated with the folks remaining in the other group. If that is not a possibility, then we’d have to arrange regular play dates for the chimps who are compatible. A lot of people refer to that as “fission-fusion” management, referencing the dynamic nature of free-living chimpanzee societies. Personally, I don’t like to use that term because I think the way in which chimp parties separate and come back together in the wild and their reasons for doing so are just too different than what happens in zoos and sanctuaries. Ultimately, it feels to me like trying to shoehorn a wild behavioral pattern to explain a captive management problem. But whatever we call it (dynamic social management?), it’s a good way to give chimps more social opportunities when integration just isn’t possible.
Very interesting and informative post, as always. I’m curious — how do you go about separating groups at the end of an intro session? Call each chimp by name and point to the door you want them to go through? Thanks!
Hi Darcy – We usually just wait until someone ventures into a room on either end and close them in there. Then we work on getting their group mates towards that side, sometimes with gum or food, closing them in rooms closer and closer down the line until the two groups are fully separated. But mostly we wait. One thing that tells us the chimps want to participate in these integrations is that they won’t let us split them apart. It’s frustrating in the moment but makes us feel good that they aren’t heading for the hills at the first opportunity.
I so admire all of you, for your patience, and understanding, and hope for everyone to be happy.:two_hearts:
You worte : “…Willy B, Mave, and Honey B will either have a new family or endless play dates in their future.”
This seems like a successful ending to me, either way their worlds have expanded for the better.
And I have no idea how you keep your cool through all of these meet ups. Knowing that chimpanzees can sense our emotions I’m not sure I could stand close by and watch without them knowing I was anxious / excited for them, let alone choreograph the entire introduction. My heart would be lodged in my throat the entire time!:blush:
I rekon it is a free Therapy session every time…You will háve to keep your own emotions in check and be ZEN, to make sure you create the space for the chimps to be themselves and not be influenced by Your emotion….
Time to grow for everyone.
J.B. do you think that there could also be playdates with th CE7 every now and then?
Marianne – That may happen down the line, but for now we’re focusing everything on trying to give Mave, Honey B, and Willy B a permanent family.
Will wonders never cease! The “vibes” you all give off is partly why the chimps react to your actions. I commend all for the love& care you give,each& every day. Thank you & stay safe.
This is fantastic news! A big thank you to the caregivers that are coordinating the meet and greets.