Some primate species consider eye contact a direct threat to them. However, chimpanzees are not one of them. In fact, some chimpanzees, particularly some of those who live in captivity, may enjoy gazing into someone’s eyes. We have a few of those individuals here at CSNW…. please let me introduce you to Honey B, if you aren’t familiar with her intense stares.
Some staff has made jokes that Honey B knows our entire life story, our full social security numbers, and our darkest secrets, just by looking into our souls (see photo above). Sometimes, Honey B will stare into my eyes during a meal time, and I can’t help but chuckle at her intensity.
Other chimpanzees like Gordo or Willy B have a list of 1,000,000 other things they would rather do than gaze into my eyes. And that’s okay! Eye contact is different to everybody.
While working with chimpanzees, I have been taught to “look” but not “stare”, as to not make the chimps feel uncomfortable in their own home. Just like humans can feel someone staring at them, chimps can too!
Yes! Those eyes!! Shakespeare said that “The eyes are the window to the soul” and I think there’s a verse in the Bible (Matthew?) that says something similar (sorry for the literary references). Especially Honey B and Jamie strike me as very old souls. And of course Mave and her Buddha postures and Neggie, well — yep, each of them has their own depth of spirit that shines through in these photos. Burrito — what can we say about that playful guy’s soul? That he’s a hoot, that’s what! And Cy — what on earth is he actually thinking as he looks at magazines for hours? Yep, protect those social security numbers and any thoughts you wouldn’t want the chimps to know about!! Thank you so much, Jenna, for bringing up this powerful aspect of their presence and sharing these photos.
Her intensity even comes thru in the photo. Dont let Cy get your VISA PIN #, he’ll order subscrptions to every magazine on the rack.:book:
yes, I feel when I look at chimps, its like looking into human eyes! Im glad someone else sees that, too.
Thank you, Jenna.
I knew the answer was “lol, Jamie and Honey B sure don’t!”
Honey B knows your whole story because she stares intensely and feeds on your soul. Jamie just waits until you leave the building and goes through the file cabinet 🙂
Funny that you mention the “look, don’t stare”. Because while Jamie will look you dead straight in the eye, it won’t last forever. Honey B will continue until YOU feel uncomfortable!
The eyes have it! (Sorry. I couldn’t resist.)
It is interesting to look into their eyes in photos. Oftentimes so much going on. Sometimes just twinkles and laughter. Other times just mystery.
Great topic, thanks Jenna!
yes, I feel when I look at chimps, its like looking into human eyes! Im glad someone else sees that, too.