Today I got two decent photos of two chimps in two separate groups. Willy B and Jamie. My mind started to ponder the question, what do these two have in common? As it turns out, one pretty major thing stands out.
They’re both EXTREMELY food-motivated. They rule meal times with an iron fist, often trying to dominate their group mates and intimidate their way into getting extra food. They’re usually first to enrichment food puzzles and have a way of making sure they get access to them as much as possible. For example, we’ve seen Willy B collect all the chopstick “tools” used for getting food out of certain puzzles. This is his crafty way of ensuring he has first dibs on the treats. Jamie on the other hand, has a domineering presence about her. Annie and Foxie (low ladies on the totem pole) know to steer clear of her during meals.
Food dominance is widespread within chimpanzee groups and these dominance trends are seen throughout both groups at the sanctuary, not just with Willy B and Jamie. A common hierarchy we see is between Missy and Annie. Even though Missy and Annie are BFFs, some tension still comes between them during mealtimes, with Missy wanting her food served first and Annie seeming uncomfortable if she is served close to Missy. On the other side of the coin, Negra knows she can always get Missy to give up some of her food if she whimpers dramatically and holds out her hand. Missy knows it’s time to pay the queen.
Annie, Missy and Jamie:
Usually male chimps are more dominant to female chimps, but no one told Mave this rule. She has been known to chase Gordo around, demanding he give up some of his food. Meanwhile, Willy B isn’t afraid to assert his dominance over Mave.
Mave:
While food hierarchy among chimpanzees is completely normal, it’s also up to us caregivers to help mitigate some of the aggression and to make sure everyone gets to eat. We give as many options as we can for locations for the chimps to eat and try positive reinforcement stationing techniques to encourage the more dominant chimpanzees to stay in their designated places during mealtime. Meals are often served directly to each chimp so we can monitor and make sure they are able to generally eat their entire available portions.
For forages, we cut up the food in many pieces and spread it as far as possible around their enclosures. It’s important to find a balance and not do too many forages because the hierarchy is always present and affects the quantity and types of food each chimpanzee has access to.
Food is one of the most enriching aspects of the chimpanzees’ day to day lives. It makes it that much more important that we are careful with its delivery.
i have often wondered how the staff/caregivers make sure the lower ranked chimps get food or rather get enough food. one of my favorite vlogs/blogs was written by JB about Jamie screaming when sweet Foxie had “the gall” to also want to eat and having to make a split second to figure out whether to take the food and run or leave it behind and save herself. Y’all do a great job, a stressful job and yall make it look effortless. Thanks for sharing the chimpanzee’s with us.
Well said. I always worry about people like Foxie who arn’t as assertive as her friends.
Thank you Anna… Great explanation and examples. They are so fortunate to have caregivers who give so much thought and planning to food delivery.
I always enjoy discovering new details about each individual. Thanks, Anna, for sharing the difficulties that surrounds food time. There have been posts about Willy B and his “enthusiasm” for food but this sheds a new light on his intelligence! Your example about Willy B collecting all the chopsticks to ensure he gains first access to the food puzzles is brilliant! What a way to slow down his competition. I will also confess that this cracked me up. I know situations like this must a little stressful for all of you responsible for their health and wellbeing, but how can you not admire their gumption at the same time?! And I was also happy to know I’m not the only one who would be in Negra’s spell if she whimpered at me and outstretched her hand in my direction. I’d give her the world if I could!
And Mave!!! I had no idea she torments poor Gordo. She is feisty!
It’s funny to to think that all these little battles play out every day. When we see videos of mealtimes, I marvel at the fact everyone seems to be so quiet and content, waiting their turn to be served. The only sounds being happy food squeaks and grunts with a few raspberries tossed in. I know this isn’t the norm, but it always amazes me to see everyone harmoniously enjoying their meals. From now on, I will appreciate those moments all the more.
So informative. Thank you for this post — and for all that you do.
Anna, thank you for the info of the eating hierarchy between Jamie, Annie and Foxie and I loved the example of Negra and her knack of getting food from Missy and of Mave chasing Gordo around, demanding he give up some of his…hilarious.
Thanks, Anba!
I’ve often wondered, “so exactly how many coconuts do they need to make sure everyone gets at least one? 16? 20? Same with the rolls at Christmas, hough I think you halve or quarter them, if looks don’t deceive, to spread them out more.
I do worry about my Tiny friend.
I did notice that tension between Annie and Missy when Missy briefly took over the treat box on World Chimpanzee Day…Annie was talking to Missy, but not getting close. Missy should have done her usual and taken the box off somewhere to be alone with it, and she might not have lost it to Jamie.
I was thinking of them yesterday when I saw a recipe with a cookie base (not oats, but you could), and topped with sliced plums. There was probably some cream in there, holding the plums on. Seemed like it could be easily veganized.
We all marveled at Mave’s social IQ, now here she is, shaking down little Gordo for his lunch money! Little dude can’t catch a break!
The heirarchy is so interesting to me because it’s so complex! Especially when it comes to food. You’d never expect chill, relaxed Mave to steal Gordo’s lunch!
The different strategies everyone employes is also super interesting! Whether it’s Neggie’s guilt trip method or Willy B and Jamie’s “grab anything that’s not nailed down.” Everyone’s got their own way of doing things.
Food, glorious food and thankyou, Anna, for lending this insight. It also demonstrates the chimps intelligence ie the artful way that Willy B collects the chopsticks thus ensuring a goodly food portion for himself! It’s also good to know that you are all on your toes and making sure that every chimp gets their rightful share of food keeping one step ahead of the game.