I know we’ve been uncharacteristically quiet when it comes to the integration of the two Waystation groups. Superstitious or not, none of us want to jinx it! But now that we’ve made it through the first three weeks, I thought I’d take this opportunity to fill you in on just a few of the things that have been happening with this new group.
Who’s the Boss?
One of the biggest questions we all had prior to integrating the two groups was who would maintain the alpha role. Willy B and Cy are both large, powerful males who held comfortable positions as alphas in their previous groups. Their initial one-on-one introductions had us all holding our breath due to the obvious potential for aggression, but they generally got along quite well and the relationship was promising. Once the entire group was together, however, the dynamics became a lot more complicated and neither showed any signs of submitting to the other. Willy B would engage in his characteristically lengthy displays that are seemingly designed to drive everyone crazy – he would find a metal panel or cage door that rattled and he shake it incessantly until everyone else started displaying. While chimpanzee dominance behavior is often viewed through the lens of Machiavellian strategy, Willy B seemed more like someone just bursting with nervous energy and nowhere to direct it. Cy would respond by crashing into the room, bashing on the walls and windows, and stomping his feet on the floor. Throughout the day and all through the evening, they would trade thunderous displays in the playrooms and front rooms, leaving the other boys displaying in their wake and the girls running and screaming. None of us were getting any sleep. Each episode felt like it could be the match that would ignite a larger fire, and though the two would regularly interact in friendlier ways, neither would confront the other directly during times of tension. Until last Sunday.
On Sunday afternoon, Willy B was engaged in one of his protracted displays and the tension was building within the group. Eventually, some smaller conflicts erupted and Cy decided that he’d had enough. He faced off with Willy B in one of the front rooms. Cy was on a bench below Willy B in Front Room 5, and after gradually building up a display he leapt directly at Willy B. Grace and Katelyn were just feet away, garden hose in hand, anxiously hoping that everyone would come away unscathed. As Cy came flying toward the upper bench, Willy B revealed a huge fear grimace and swung around, presenting his back side to Cy. Cy landed on the bench and embraced Willy with both arms. After two weeks of negotiation, Cy had put his foot down and Willy had submitted.
Since then things have seemed a little more orderly within the group. Cy is a patient leader and he doesn’t intervene unless he feels it’s necessary, but if he thinks Willy B is stirring the pot a bit too much, or if Gordo is pushing his luck with Willy B, he has no problem stepping in and quieting everyone down. For his part, Willy B seems a bit relieved to have someone else in charge. Now he can focus all that energy on playing with his new pal, Rayne. And Cy seems relieved to get back to his magazines. We often liken him to a father that tells the kids to play outside so he can read the sports section in peace.
Bosom Buddies
We always knew that Mave would do great in a larger group but we’ve been pleasantly surprised by how well Willy B and Honey B are getting along with their new family. Willy B adores Rayne – I’ve never seen him as expressive as when he is playing with his new pal. And while Honey B tends to be more of a loner in general, she is part of a new clique that Diana has dubbed “the mall walkers”. Each playroom has a second floor catwalk that extends around all four sides of the room and overlooks the main floor below, similar to those fancy indoor malls where people of a certain age do their speed-walking. Each morning, beginning around 7am, Honey B, Dora, and Rayne walk laps around the second floor of each playroom together, often playing but otherwise just getting their steps in.
Eight is Enough
Each morning we serve breakfast in one or more of the greenhouses and playrooms and attempt to close off an area for cleaning. Eight of the chimps happily cooperate. Honey B does not. This isn’t any different than when she lived in her group of three, but early in the introduction process there was a concern that we’d have to reintroduce her each morning if she was separated during cleaning due to her reluctance to shift. Despite the fact that she would have been living happily with the group just hours prior, these reintroductions had the potential to cause tension and hinder the integration process. Thankfully, she has been able to come and go as she pleases without issue, and a couple hours of alone time seems to give her a great deal of comfort.
Family Ties
It can takes months, even years, for two groups to become fully integrated, meaning that they no longer fall back on old, familiar patterns of association. Right now we are seeing two distinct patterns. During the day, the chimps act as though they have always been one big group. Willy B is often at the center of early morning grooming parties on the greenhouse tree structures, Honey B plays and walks laps with Rayne and Dora, and Mave is everywhere at all times doing everything with everyone. But at night, it’s back to three and six. Mave, Honey B, and Willy B make their nests in the front rooms – specifically Front Room 6 – while the others sleep on the catwalks and nesting platforms in the two playrooms. They are all free to sleep where they choose, but for now it seems there’s comfort in sticking with the old gang when it’s time to let your guard down and catch some sleep.
One Day at a Time
When it comes to group formation, there is no point at which we will pat ourselves on the back and declare victory. But whatever happens, I think we can celebrate the introduction process and these first three weeks that they have lived as a full group. Honestly, there have been many days over the last few weeks when the Cle Elum Seven bickered more than the nine. And they’ve lived together for 16 years! Still, chimps will be chimps, and there will be plenty of fights ahead. More importantly, however, there will also be plenty of playing, grooming, reassuring, even mall-walking – all the things we’d dreamed about when we first met Honey B, Willy B, and Mave and imagined them in larger family.
Linda C says
That’s fabulous, JB! And I’m patting myself on the back for calling the more secure of the “gorillas” as chief.
like what you did there! “Who’s the Boss?” is a bit more modern, but as a person of a certain age, the “Bosom Buddies” took me back! :laughing:
Laurie Mowat says
Please check below. I messed up.
Linda C says
omg, I didn’t even notice right away that the blog totle was part of the game!
Jeani Goodrich says
JB, wonderful explanation of everyone. Im so glad Cy is the leader. He does seem like the fatherly type. I look forward to the 6 week report. ?
CarolR says
Thank you so much JB for such an in depth update. I’m so glad they seem to be sorting things out. We know that there is an expert guiding the integration process, but is there a counsellor for all the staff in breathing and stress control?? You must all gave nerves of steel by now!
John O'Brien says
Hi, J.B. Thank you for this post. I think… no, I know I learned so much at this reading. Especially the inner workings and machinations of the groups and individual personalities.
Ken & Gracie says
thank ypu J.B. that was really a great read. i just love short stories that this type of hope.
Cheers!
good for Cy!
Laurie Mowat says
I think you made a great call!
Checked on the stuffies by the way…
Laurie Mowat says
Linda C this was supposed to be a reply to you! Oops!
Linda C says
Yep! On yesterday’s! No worries! Hope you try them sometime!
Kim Harris says
How y’all continually come up with endless puns and plays on words is a feat unto itself! I always enjoy your detailed posts and learning more about the intricacies of our Sweet Sixteen – that was completely by accident; I’m not that clever, lol. I figured Cy’s patient ways would ultimately rise above and see him as the leader. And it sounds like Willy is going to enjoy not having to be in charge. I’m so happy their integration has been so successful. The slow and steady introductions were obviously the right approach for these groups. You all have done such amazing work in bringing them together.
BTW, what does the B stand for in Honey B’s and Willy B’s names, if anything? I may have missed this in a previous post, or more likely, my memory has failed me!
Linda C says
It has something to do with where the chimps were “leased” from. Missy and I believe Jody also had the “B”.
marianne says
As far as I know The B. stands for chimpanzees who were born as second generation in de labs. ( honey B. as daughter of Missy who was also born in captivity ).
J.B. says
Hi Kim – The B stands for “Buckshire”, which is the lab (Buckshire Corporation) that owned their mothers. Buckshire leased chimpanzees to other labs and when those chimpanzees had children, they were considered property of Buckshire regardless of where they were born. We’ve also been told that adult chimpanzees like Jamie, Missy, and others were informally given the “B” nickname when they were leased to LEMSIP, a lab in upstate NY.
Kim Harris says
Thanks JB (and Marianne and Linda) for solving that little mystery for me. Thankfully, Buckshire and LEMSIP are no longer their lives. They are 100% Cle Elum royalty now!
Barbara Bentley says
I have laughed with delight to hear the good news, and understand the inner tension of you all not wanting to jinx this integration process. Awesome, I assume you all have invested in ear plugs as well as masks as standard uniform. How do the 6 feel about all the displays and tussles? More time on the hill perhaps? Or are they wagering on Cy and Willy B… and hoping gordo will stay out of the race for top guy. Be good girls and play nice, soon there will be new outdoor space for you in the sunshine!
Linda C says
I feel like Gordo against Willy or Cy would be like the cross country runner against a gootball player!
Gordito is a lover, not a fighter 🙂
Kathleen says
Thank you J.B. for the breakdown on what’s been going on. I can only imagine what Grace and Katelyn must have been feeling when Cy flew towards Willy B. Yikes! Wow! Whew! Maybe Willy B is happy to be in charge of Honey B and Mave on the night shifts and comfortable to let Cy be the boss for the full day gang. Any chance that having less pressure might calm Willy B at meal time? 🙂
I so appreciate this update and I hung on every word seeing the different personalities playing out. I’m touched by my pal Willy B enjoying companionship with Rayne, Honey B needing and getting her private time, Mave being bomb proof as expected, and Cy leading with kindness and strength but not violence….just as you described him early on.
My fingers will remain crossed and I will continue to hope, for the new nine’s sake, for continued progress and closer bonds.
Linda C says
I hope Honey B eventually discovers that the outdoors will give her “alone time”, as Annie and Foxie know.
Laurie Mowat says
I agree about hanging on to every word. I read it fast while I was on the phone and had to read it again later. If I had to choose I think I can relate to Honey B the most.
Keith Dawson says
Great blog JB. Very informative. It must have taken an age to write. Thanks for taking the time to do it.
Nancy says
I’m glad that Cy & Willy have come to a mutual decision. I can imagine that Willy is relieved. I’m thrilled that the group is doing well! The mall walkers/perfect!!!
Laurie Mowat says
I agree about hanging on to every word. I read it fast while I was on the phone and had to read it again later. If I had to choose I think I can relate to Honey B the most.
Elaine Reininger says
Do you ever get up in the morning and dread the start of the day and what drama is going to start. You all have such patience. The noise alone must be unbearale
marianne says
Thank you J.B. for this ( new ) information about the integration; so far we had not heard about Willy B. displaying so everybody would get mad…. and every other male reacting and the women screaming…..
I had based my comment of a few days ago on the info I had at that time, but I still believeI in the here and now.
Anyway, know that I write from the heart and admire all you do to give these wonderful beings the best home they could have; that is why I support the sanctuary.
Looking forward to the next 3 weekly update….
Karen says
What a wonderful way to start the day! Your descriptions were priceless. i can’t wait to see how The Bray changes the dynamics even more!
Diane Kastel says
Kudos to J.B. for a well-worded, imaginatively written, contemplative essay that givers us a full picture of the development.
Deanna says
I have been waiting patiently for this update and it brings me such tremendous joy and relief!!! could I love Cy boy any more!?!?!?! Miss Mave is amazing as always! Thank you for this and for all the patience and work that goes into being caregiver and offering pure sanctuary. All are thriving! I cant wait till the new outdoor space is completed. I am fairly certain the six will relish exploring the great outdoors and maybe will encourage Mave and Honey to join them!!!
Kathleen says
I had to reread again today. And I should comment on your clever use of sitcom titles. They all fit so perfectly it’s really quite funny! That alone must have taken some time to pull together. The photo of Wully B and Rayne is now a top favorite of mine. Just look at those happy laughing mugs!
Question for you J.B. (or perhaps a topic fo another psot): I’ve been thinking about Mave, Willy B, and Honey B going back to their bedroom each night. Does anyone from Cy’s group ever venture into the origiinal home space of The Three, specifically front room 6, or is that treated as private just for them in the eyes of the new group?
J.B. says
Hi Kathleen – Rayne and Dora tend to be the first ones to venture into the front rooms with the three in the morning, but I have yet to see anyone go in there in the evening. Interestingly, there was one evening when Mave started to nest in the Mezzanine, which is sort of a DMZ, and it’s appropriate that Mave would be the one to try to bridge the two groups that way. She didn’t stay long however.
One interesting thing to note: when the three arrived, the front rooms and mezzanine were the only spaces available to them and when the six arrived they were quarantined in the playrooms and greenhouses. So it makes sense that they would fall back to these areas.
Kathleen says
Thanks for the reply J.B., much appreciated. I know I am anthropomorphizing but, it seems normal to want to sleep in comfort with your family, in a place that’s familiar and safe. As if the room itself has a reassuring purpose for them. It will be interetsing to see if this will always be the case. (It’s just so
relateable and sweet!)
Kim Harris says
I have read this post several times, just envisioning all the goings-on that JB has so generously described. It just fills my heart to know these nine are building new friendships. They’ve already started a mall-walkers group! I have so much respect and admiration for each and every person who has dedicated themselves to our amazing groups of chimps.
Mark B. says
Where does Terry fit into the old or new hierarchy?
J.B. says
Hi Mark – Terry and Gordo are both good pals with Cy but I’d say Terry spends a lot more quality time with the boss. I can’t say that necessarily makes him #2 though and honestly things are never quite that clear cut. Terry is a sterotypical male chimp when it comes to asserting his dominance over the females – Mave and Honey B have both had something to say about that. But he’s pretty relaxed when it comes to the male hierarchy. As far as his relationship with Willy B goes, the two are old friends and their relationship resumed on good terms when they were reunited. I’d say Willy B spends the most time grooming with Terry out of the three males in the new group.
Penelope Yungblut says
What a wbnderufl blog report, helping us understand chimp dynamics.
One question i have is that I notice less phtoos of Foxie in blogs than the other chimps. Is she more difficult to photograph? If so, i would love to know why. One of her ears was partially bitten off by Burrito which suggests tension and agressiin betwen them. Does she prefer to keep a distance from other chimps in her group?
J.B. says
Hi Penelope – I didn’t know that was the case! I guess she is less likely to sit still and let us photograph her so that may be why. She can be more of a loner at times, especially outdoors, but she is very close with Jody, Jamie and Burrito and spends a lot of time with them. Burrito did bite her ear off but he is an equal-opportunity aggressor and he has nothing against Foxie in particular, though she is more likely than the others to go after him when she’s angry with him which may lead tomore confrontations.