J.B. explained our reintroduction experiment last week, and I thought I would do a follow up today since we moved on to the next step.
As a duo over the last week, Cy and Willy B did not interact a whole lot, which is not shocking since they are both somewhat aloof. What we were waiting for was a day when they did three things: played, groomed for at least ten minutes, and used a new social enrichment puzzle.
Throughout the week, we were monitoring pretty closely, often using the security cameras, for signs of who took the lead. It was clearly Cy, with Willy B deferring to him throughout the week. It has been a lot quieter this past week without Willy B getting everyone going in the afternoons. It’s possible he will still be inclined to do this as the group gets bigger. He did make some attempts throughout the week, but because he was separated from the larger group, they did not have the same level of anxiety or feel the need to respond in the same way that intensified the situation and ended up in conflict.
This morning, I watched on the cameras as Willy B displayed toward the other group, and then I watched as Cy took over the display, with Willy B retreating. This seemed to serve to remind everyone that he outranks Willy B. It’s nice to see Cy express confidence in this way, and we hope he keeps it up as we add more chimps.
Rayne is the second chimpanzee to add because she is the highest ranking female in the group and therefore supports Cy in his leadership role. She also has been able to develop a positive relationship with Willy B and generally isn’t as intimidated by him as some of the lower ranking females in the group. So, the idea is that Willy B will continue to develop his relationships with Cy and Rayne and understand, without having the back-up of Mave and Honey B, that he is definitely subordinate to Cy, and, in fact, that’s really the best place for him and for the group.
Speaking of… we have created some fun groups for the friendship bracelets that we have in the Comfort and Joy online auction! These bracelets were made by two young ladies – Holly and Juliet – who came along with their parents on a vacation to Cle Elum while their veterinarian mom, Dr. Kathleen Olson, filled in for Dr. Erin while Erin was away a few weeks ago. They (the bracelets and the whole Olson family) are so sweet! Check them out, and be sure to check the auction every day, as we’ll be adding more items!
When I was closing up, I spied Honey B who had tucked herself into her nest, the epitome of comfort:
Hold your ground, Rayne, you got this. Cy is such a strong leader. I hope Willy gains more comfort and less stress.with everyone. Can we teach Congress about grooming! It looks so peaceful. What a wonderful world it would be. Now, let me go check who outbid me in the Comfort and Joy auction.
Honey B looks so sweet and innocent all tucked in under those blankets. Thank you for the picture of her.
I will now be joining Gaynell in checking to see that I have not been outbid.
Very cute and stylish bracelets, Holly and Juliet, thank you for your contribution to the charity auction!!:tulip: William’s reintroduction project is getting more and more interesting, I look forward to the next episode 🙂 I’m proud of my pal “socially savvy” Rayne’s performance!:monkey_face::green_heart:
They are indeed sweet combinations
I’m glad everything woth Willy B’s re-intro is going well! I know a strong lady like Rayne can keep him in check!