Jamie has always held a dominant position in her group but she’s generally not what one would consider a leader. Leaders don’t scream and throw fits when they don’t get their way or harbor grudges for days only to attack without provocation (see: Missing Toe, Jody). Jamie’s drive to be on top is fueled by a deep insecurity and the mantle of leader never quite fits.
Until she steps out onto the hill.
Once she crosses the threshold of the raceway, she emerges as someone else entirely. She supports her friends when they are scared or anxious. She bears the burden, often single-handedly, or protecting her home and family. It’s a version of Jamie almost unseen within the confines of the greenhouse and playroom walls, where petty squabbles for food puzzles and attention from humans dominate.
So many examples of leadership in our own species are born from moments or situations that are larger than ourselves. Perhaps it is just as true for Jamie. Outside, there are cows to supervise, snakes to kill, and boundaries to patrol. There’s a vast and constantly changing horizon. The world is bigger out there and it requires cooperation and teamwork to manage. And a team needs a leader.
Once the outside world is sufficiently conquered, however, she calls dibs on all the raisin boards. Touch one and she will scream.
Jamie appears to be limping a little. Is she beginning to develop arthritis?
sounds like to me that she does have it figured out….conserve her energy for the more important things……….raisin boards and playing outside………..
I understand completely.
I once had two dogs who were ferocious with one another whle inside, but they played wonderfully together outside.
Thank you for this explanation Diana*. I didn’t realize the divide between inside and outside when it comes to Jamie’s moments to shine as a true leader. Makes sense since chimpanzees shouldn’t be captive and living inside, even if this is all Jamie has ever known. I’d like to believe that deep down in her DNA something stirrs inside of her when she exits the raceway and places her hands and feet on the terra firma of Young’s Hill. Zap! Jamie feels alive, with purpose, and she is in charge of her troop, her property, her home. This video really captures it like I have never seen before. The way Jamie stands there like a coach, patting her team on their backs as they pass by her and charge up the hill. And Jamie’s stance of confidence and control when Annie seeks her reassurance, it’s epic!
I also liked the way Missy tried to avoid being filmed, offering you her back and sneaking off to the other side of the Twister where she was out of view. Smart gal. And….Nutmeg is huge! So gorgeous. Just had to add that.
Great post and video! Thank you Diana.
* Sadly some leaders do “scream and throw fits when they don’t get their way or harbor grudges for days only to attack without provocation”. And I’d happily have Jamie as my leader instead of humans who behave like this. Just saying……
Geez. make that a big thank youb to J. B., sorry!
You read my mind on the squared stance and the coach image, Kathleen!
The first immage that came to my mind, reading what leaders Do NOT do, was the 45th president of your country…..sorry to Jamie ( and all of you ) for that thought :flushed:
I loved seeing her petting her crew on the back as they passed her, and then a friendly pet on the bum to send them on their way…
She is the Boss, she takes responsability so she rightfully deserves to claim all the raisinboards!
What a beautifully written piece J B. It totally explained Jamie’s behavior on the hill. And i love the last sentence about the raisin boards. Now that’s the Jamie we all know and love.
Thanks J.B. I always enjoy your perspective.
I think you better worry about how Miss Jamie is going to feel when she reads this post ! She might hold a grudge about you airing her “dirty laundry”:grinning: But then again, I think she’s OK with all of her leadership skills, its up to us to try and figure out such a free thinker, she’s just ahead of her time. :revolving_hearts:
I don’t know the back story about the toe incident. Is their anyone who can fill me in? Jamie is the one who introduced me to the sanctuary. You tube suggested a video for me about a chimp “reading” her books and that was that! I may or may not have had some issues with my older brother or sister when I was little. There might have been a time when I was a biter but I don’t want to start spreading any rumors. So if Jamie has a temper than I think it’s fair to say that at some point we all do!
Hi Laurie – Here’s a link to the story. I’ll add the link to the blog post, too. I hope your sibling fights were less dramatic!
https://chimpsnw.org/2020/03/jodys-trip-to-the-clinic/
Thanks for the info. My mother stopped my bad behavior pretty quickly. I’m ten years older than Jamie so maybe she justs needs a little more time! :slight_smile:
So adorable, that pat on the back from JAMIE as her team passed by.