It’s been about four days since the newly-integrated group of nine rescued chimps spent their first full day together. We caregivers have been closely observing with our fingers crossed that things keep going smoothly, but we’re already impressed by how well the chimpanzees have adapted to cohabitating with their former neighbors.
We have previously touched on the challenges and benefits of socializing captive chimpanzees. If things continue going well, Cy, Dora, Gordo, Lucky, Rayne and Terry will keep living with Honey B, Mave and Willy B in the newer wing of the Chimp House. It was evident from the first introductions that these chimpanzees have some sort of affinity for one another, and our observations since then have largely reinforced those beliefs. There have been displays, disagreements, misunderstandings and (occasional) fights, but the chimpanzees have repeatedly found ways to resolve their differences through grooming, play, and a great deal of measured politeness.
Although free-ranging chimpanzee communities consist of fluid subgroups that change membership frequently, merging entire communities is not something that they naturally do. Even so, it’s clear that these nine individuals want to do exactly that. For these captive chimps, all rescued from the closed Wildlife Waystation, expanding their social network will enrich their lives in ways that puzzles and climbing structures cannot.
Our team will continue to post occasional updates and will probably produce some sort of comprehensive summary once we know more about the group’s long-term compatibility. Our daily routine currently includes all the usual chores plus additional observation and discussion, so the blogs may continue to be a bit atypical for a while.
Today’s blog post features a simple assortment of video clips we have recorded during the last couple days! Most of these are close-up shots taken “through” the caging with an 85mm lens; the steel mesh is often visible as a square vignette around each frame (always reminding us of the unusual environment these chimps reside in). Hopefully this post gives you a glimpse of current events at the sanctuary and some more excitement for the future!
Aw, thanks for thinking of us! This felt like it was much longer than 4 minutes, probably because the first scenes were so quiet.
Now I know how it is that Tiny’s dolls lose their hair!
Mave and Terry in all their floofiness! I hope that was just the way Terry’s fur was laying, and that he hasn’t been getting the worst of the scrapping!
Cy still distracted with his reading…
And it looked like Li’l Dora, who had had lasers in her eyes for Willy B, was going to play coy. But it looks like she may have won the Big Man over!
So wonderful to see them choosing new friends already! And thanks for Gordo pics. Such a handsome dude!
Of course, Linda C!
Those dolls sure do take some abuse! I’m glad you liked all the content! 🙂
Nightwatch?
Pity we can’t teach Honey B how to play “war” with a deck of cards!
Hang in there!
Thank you for this exciting update! hoots!!!
You’re welcome, Pat!
what is the schedule on the new fences..?
Hey Tom! As far as I know, there isn’t a fixed schedule for the fences yet since the next steps will depend so heavily on volunteer availability. The new sections outside of the existing chimp habitat are moving along quickly, though; all the posts are set and they’re ready for insulators and wires. Then the crew will have to do the new section that lays inside of the current Young’s Hill boundary along with all of the rattlesnake barriers, additional field fencing, access gates.. and even some new irrigation and structures. J.B. shared a video recently that you’ve probably seen but I’ll link to it here in case you missed it: https://chimpsnw.org/2022/05/calling-all-volunteers/
Those are really good photos Anthony, you have a gift. I did check in earlier, and there was no new blog post, and I thought “Oh no…” but I’m so glad to hear that things are going well. I was looking at Chimp Haven’s web site today and I thought “OMG that place is so freaking huge!” But as wonderful as they are (and they ARE wonderful!) I prefer my family at CSNW. Thanks to you all, it feels like a home to me.
Thanks for the compliments, Betsy! Sorry if I scared you with the late post! 😉
Ilove it!!! The photos, the interactions, the explanations! And best of all the happy chimps, caregivers, and volunteers!! well done everybody!!!
Thanks for supporting us, Jeani!!!
This is so exciting…I’ve been walking around with a big grin on my face all day! So many questions….how are mealtimes and are there any that demand to be served first (Jamie, I’m thinking of you!) Is Willy B still on his best behaviour and getting his apple for not stealing off the others? It’s wonderful to see all the hard work paying off and new friendships forming, and let’s hope it’s now a permanent group.
I’m glad you liked the update, Carol! We also have many unanswered questions about the new group and will continue to learn more- and share that insight on the blog- as things become more clear. As far as meals go, Willy B’s table manners have predictably regressed a bit with the merging of the groups. (It’s a lot of extra stimulation for all their minds.) We’re taking extra precautions to keep him engaged during meals by cutting his food smaller, assigning him a dedicated server, doing informal training sessions, etc. All the males get extra food now which helps to stretch his meals out a bit. He doesn’t receive an apple “jackpot” anymore but we still promote cooperative feeding by rewarding him for allowing others to receive food nearby.
Great to read and see the New Nine growing into 1 family. Well done everyone!
But I am wondering about how Honey B. is doing, knowing her to be very sensitive, and maybe not that fond of a biger family? ( that is my own interpretation ).
Does she interact with her new people, or does she stay on her own?
Thanks, Marianne! One sentiment we’ve shared among the staff is that all of the chimps continue to express their usual personalities despite the dramatic changes to their group composition. Honey B has continued to be polite with the others, occasionally being sweet, but also values her private time. We’re hoping she gets more playful over time, but peaceful coexistence is also an acceptable outcome. It’s nice to see her maintaining her bonds with Mave and Willy too; the three still make their nests in the same area every night!
One benefit of the integration is that all the chimps in that wing now have access to twice as many spaces- two greenhouses, two playrooms, and the smaller front rooms and mezzanine- except for the brief periods when we’re cleaning a couple of them at a time. I think this choice will benefit all of them, including Honey B. She often declines to shift with the group so the extra spaces help us to keep her comfortable during those times.
Hey Marianne! I was encouraged to follow up after seeing how social Honey B has been this past week. She still spends time away from the others, but she’s also been engaging them in some really heartwarming play sessions when she feels like it! Here’s a video that Grace shared, in case you missed it… https://chimpsnw.org/2022/05/new-friendships-and-lots-o-play/
Thank you for the insightful video into this new family
group. Amazing to see how they are adapting-oh, that we humans could do as well. Great job, all!
Thanks, Rosalie!
Thank you Anthony for this four (count them, 1-2-3-4!!) minute video. Fantastic! With all the exciting changes and progress and friendships going on it was so comforting to see the Jamie and Foxie playing their usual game of “Steal the Doll”. I liked how Jamie kicked it up a noth by adding in the “Eat the Hair” maneuver to spark Foxie into action. All this proves that friendships soon fold into enduring relationships that transcend time and place. In the end they all the chimps are now part of a family. A well loved and cared for family. Couldn’t be happier for everyone involved. Thank you.
Thanks, Kathleen! I love “Steal the Doll”! 🙂
LOVE this, Anthony! Thank you. Sound plus movement- I could’ve watched all day. So glad the two groups are working out (so far).
I’m happy that you liked the video, Maureen! We hope things keep going well!