Mave is currently living her best life. She seems to thrive in a larger group with more chimpanzees to interact with and look after. These last few days, she’s virtually never alone.
The video above is of a very fun play session between Mave and Rayne, but the blog post title is more about these two stories…
You may remember from a blog written by J.B. entitled “It’s Only Natural” that Terry and Dora are the only two chimpanzees who express a certain natural behavior. We know from their former caregivers at Wildlife Waystation that they haven’t always done this – they did it for a while, stopped for a very long time, then started again in recent years. Terry only requests that Dora mate when food is brought out for meals. Yep, food is VERY exciting for chimpanzees. From our observations so far, Dora is not always in the mood for Terry’s advances, but she eventually gives in to his requests.
Enter Dora’s new friend Mave.
Mave, apparently, is not willing to tolerate Terry’s behavior and will not only yell at Terry if she catches him requesting Dora to copulate, but will physically “protect” Dora. Chad wrote up the first instance of this the other day. To quote Chad, “Mave began screaming at Terry, and blocked Dora from him via hugging her.” She apparently spent the rest of lunch guarding Dora while also trying to reconcile with Terry. At that point, Terry was more interested in lunch. He did reassure Mave that all was okay, and did not make another attempt that day.
We’ll have to see how this plays out in the end, but I can tell you that the female humans at the sanctuary were feeling a certain feminine solidarity with Mave.
The second story is from last night when everyone was getting ready for bed. I was watching on the remote security cameras. Every night prior to last night, Mave, Willy B, and Honey B have slept in one of the Front Rooms while the six chimpanzees from the other group spread out among the two playrooms.
Last night, Cy was still up taking some alone time (or so he thought) in the Mezzanine. I watched as Mave gathered some blankets from the Marmot Mountain Playroom. I expected her to take her large pile of blankets through the Mezzanine and down through the door in the floor that connects to the Front Rooms. What she did instead was make a nest right in the “cubby” of the Mezzanine, blocking the door that connects it to Marmot Mountain. She made a beautiful nest and lied down.
A few minutes later, Cy approached where she was lying down. It was clear to me that he wanted to vacate the Mezzanine. Mave, however, remained lying down, not moving a muscle. He got a little closer and patiently waited again. Still no movement from Mave. After about ten minutes, he climbed over her to get out the door. She still didn’t move.
Mave is a female figure that we all can admire. She’s a friend to everyone but is strong and confident in her position.
If you haven’t already, I suggest you celebrate Mave by getting a Mave hoodie. I will wear mine with even more pride and admiration now.
Karen says
I am woman, hear me roar!! Go sort out those boys Mave
Linda C says
Haha, Diana, maybe Terry is part bonobo!
Glad to see her living her best life. she deserves to. They all do, but Mave especially needed some more fun in her life.
Nancy Duryea says
Diana, the video is adorable, their moves look like they were choreographed..in sync with each other.
Now, for more serious business…I wonder if Dora is appreciative of Mave’s interference. Maybe Dora would like to eat her meal in peace! I’m glad that Dora has a protector, so to speak.
this was quite an informative and fun blog. Please keep us updated!
Nancy Duryea says
Another thing, I hope Terry isn’t giving Willie B any ideas!
Linda C says
I was thinking that the other day when the video showed him with Dora
Laura says
MAVE!
Kathleen says
First that video—What a fun dance between Mave and Dora! Dora tries at times to reach out and touch Mave, so sweet. Is Dora seeking reassurance or is she reaching out to connect? Next your Mave stories— Oh Mave! I see a leader in you. I am curious to hear how Mave, Terry, and Dora play out, please keep us posted. You’ve gotta admire a strong woman like Mave. Poor Cy trying to make his way to bed. Seems he was trying to be polite and respectful of Mave in her night nest. I would have liked a video of him stepping over Mave. That must have been some maneuver!
I have a Mave T-shirt and like you Dianna, I will now wear mine with a litlle touch of fierce and a pinch of empowerment. Go Mave!
Mark B. says
Today’s blog’s a keeper!
tom austin says
Mave is a piece of work…!!!
Tobin says
Mave’s running of interference for Dora brings to mine the line from the old song: “Heaven help the Mister, who steps between me and my sister…” Yep, as it turns out, Sisterhood is Powerful.
Betsy says
I have always treasured Mave the Peacemaker. Just goes to show you can think you’re an alpha male, but if the women disagree you have nothing.
Marcie says
Mave you are my hero.
marianne says
MAVE!!!!
I always knew her to be a feminist and a very wise woman.
Dora can use a stronger sister for sure. Leave it to Marvelous Mave.
And she is a dancer too; what a great story.
Nancy says
I Love these stories! I love Mave! She has always been kind and I love how she had grown into a confident woman!
Stevie Gillis says
how can i order a mave hoodie?
Linda C says
Hi Stevie,
At the top right corner of this page, you’ll see a brown box with lines in it. click on it, and one of the drop down menu options is “shop”.
Click on that, and it will take you to the EcoJoia page, where tou can get a Mave hoodie.
Happy shopping!
Diana says
The link to the Mave Hoodie in our store is in the post (the words Mave hoodie – it should be a different color than the rest of the text).
Deanna Rocca says
Dear Sweet beautiful powerful Mave!!! How we love and admire alk that you are!!! I love that Terry byt glad he has you to keep in line and protect sweet Dora!!!! Love you girl!!!
Marya says
Agreeing w/ others’ great comments, my own is that I’m so happy that Mave has this new role so she can feel more empowered to be her true and evolving self — not only as the Buddha, but also as Gloria Steinem (in the early 70’s she was one of the founders of the women’s movement). What a powerful combination of traits!
Paulette says
Before the sex (LOL That was supposed to say six, but sex is apropos here too!) came to CSNW, somewhere I heard or read that Dora was very clingy, that she was always needing/wanting to give and receive attention. Perhaps Terry’s attentions were not unwanted. She didn’t swipe Willy B away either. Some Bonobo behavior is certainly preferable to skirmishes!
Mave! That was awesome when she just dove in for that hug!
Lori Sheeran says
I love it! These days when women’s rights to control our bodies are under seige, it is nice to read about females supporting each other and telling males firmly but gently where the line is. As always, we humans have a lot to learn from our relatives!