Within a chimpanzee community, the term used to describe the dominant chimpanzee is alpha. There seems to be an agreement there are different styles of dominance, with two being the main types: those who are political and those who use brute strength. There is a great TED Talk with Frans de Waal where he explains these two different styles. Those who are more political savvy navigate their way through their community to build trust and relationships with their community. These alphas, when they lose their top position, can still be a big influence on their community years after their term is up. The other type are those who use strength and fear to make their way to the top. By showing they are stronger than the rest, the rest submit to their displays. These alphas in the wild tend to be excommunicated from the community or killed when their term is up. There is a National Geographic documentary called Kingdom of the Apes, which showcases these two styles when brothers Freud and Frodo vie to become the alpha of their group. This all took place within the Kasakela community, the group Jane Goodall has studied over the decades.
The groups who reside here do have their alphas or perceived alphas. One of the alphas I want to talk about today is Cy.
We are coming up quickly on the 1 year anniversary since Cy and his group arrived here, and we have been in awe of Cy since. From what we’ve seen, Cy is very patient and very socially aware of the other chimpanzee’s emotional states. He always seems to know when it’s the right time to show off his size and strength or to just let the others get what they need off their chest. During the introduction process, Cy has been great at making friends. I think we were all caught off guard when him and Willy B first met and how well it went. When two alphas get together during this process, there is a huge sense of anxiety that lingers in the air on what will happen between the two. Luckily for us, we have Cy. Throughout the entire process we have seen Cy time and time again place his own body between two who are getting nervous around each other and diffuse the situation. That’s not to say he doesn’t show off his strength when he needs to.
Of the two styles of dominant chimpanzees, I would place Cy on the political side. He seems to receive the respect from everyone not because he demands it, but because he earns it. I know he has earned mine.
Cy is the most patient, big-hearted, caring, playful, and handsome alpha.
Tobin says
If a troop has to have an alpha, I am glad that Cy fills that position. As you wrote, Chad, Cy is patient, big-hearted, caring and playful. His voracious reading appears to have benefitted his leadership qualities.
CeeCee says
I vote Cy !
I know I would follow him anywhere:revolving_hearts:
Debbie says
I think Cy is a good alpha because he reads and studies up with his magazines!:grinning:
Karen says
:kiss::kiss::kiss::kiss::kiss::kiss::kiss::kiss:
to Cy! What a chimp!
Judy says
incredibly handsome AND inciteful? plus he’s a reader. Dreamy! Thaks Chad for the wonderful explanation and the link.
Deanna Moomjian-Gjovik says
You can see it in his eyes. Confident, smart, saavy, kind….honestly, this guy is a catch. I fell in love with him the moment I saw him thumbing his way through a magazine. He is an amazing chimp. So glad he’s with you guys and and a positive contribution to the clan. I vote for Cy, too!! Pant hoots and kisses!
Nancy Duryea says
Chad, the pictures of Cy are beautiful, he looks more handsome than ever. Thank you for the lesson on the two types of Alpha chimps..very interesting and I plan to listen to the TED talk. It’s hard to believe the one year anniversary of the arrival of the Lucky 6 is coming up. We are so fortunate to have them!!
Kathleen says
Perhaps Cy is such a great leader because he is so well read and self educated. Education is power.
A great psot Chad, thank you for tipping me off to the Frans de Waal Ted Talk.His book “Chimpanzee Politics” is one of my all time favorite books, and Mama (and her daughter Monique) one of my favorite chimpanzee ladies. I have seen Kingdom of the Apes, I was moved to tears at times while watching. Fasniating.
These photos of Cy show a kind, gentle, and curious chap. He has that terrific twinkle in eyes that I adore. I can see why he would make a good alpha chimpanzee for his family. This post made me focus for the first time on the reality of the delicate nature you face in trying to mix different groups, and thus different alphas, in the ongoing integration process. Whew. Such a complicated task! I am happy you Cy in the mix to help out with the process.
Jeff says
CY for President. has my vote
Laurie Mowat says
He’s only 32. So close, darn it!
Laurie Mowat says
How about Jaymie as president and Burrito as VP? Jaymie is an alpha and Burrito, well Burrito is just Burrito and who could ask for more.
Linda C says
Jamie’s not a secure leader, though.
Laurie Mowat says
I thought about Foxie but I was afraid she might be trolled. And that’s how to do a really bad pun!
Linda C says
:laughing:
Tara McKenney says
Yes, Cy for President!!
Carla René says
Hi, Chad,
Great post. I saw that documentary and remember EXACTLY what you’re describing between the brothers. It was a bit terrifying to watch, really, which is why I’ll never forget it. Plus, I watched it about three times.
Being Asperger’s, I’m totally fascinated with the complex social hierarchy of chimpanzees and just how complicated it is. They also just seem to communicate without words–another fascination for me, although to be fair, I have seen this out of other wild animals. A momma elephant comes to mind. She lives and is the queen of a water buffalo herd in Africa, I think, and they, both species, communicate with each other through grunts. And they understand what she wants for them!
On a related note (I always share this here with the readers), please join me either on my Instagram account (@glittercatstudios) or my Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/glittercatstudios) to follow progress on a very handsome and dynamic chimpanzee’s portrait for the upcoming Labour Day Auction!
Cheers.
Deana says
I’m in awe of Cy boy and am totally captivated by him!!! His well read and playful nature stole my heart stole my heart years ago!!! Who wouldnt follow such a magnificent gentleman!
Paulette says
Aah Cy (sigh).
In case someone here missed it, my favorite photo of him is the last picture on this blog page
https://chimpsnw.org/2021/08/for-christine-and-her-family/
That’s his Charlton Heston look. what a hottie!
:heartbeat::heartbeat::heartbeat:
Maureen says
He looks to be very kind. And I’ve noticed how big he is. I think he bears a resemblance to Willy B.
Linda C says
Thanks, Chad. You were reading our minds!
Looking forward to the blog on the other type of leader (is that our gorilla?)
Pity we can’t keep Honey B with the 6, and put Willy B and Mave with the 7, so Mr B would have another dude around, and friends to grow old with.
Marya says
Oh, Chad, thanks for this great blog post. I’m quite smitten with Cy for many reasons including those that you’ve listed about his patience and tolerance. Lots of political savvy, too. And then there’s his extensive reading collection! And his clearly very old soul that helps to give him patience and tolerance when needed. I’m smitten, too!
Kim Harris says
I have been enamored with Cy from the get-go. And every time there is a post about him, it just reinforces how truly special he is. I would love to meet a human man with his qualities, so if any of y’all know of an elible bachelor in his 40s, 50s, etc… 😉