We often describe Rayne as being socially savvy. She seems to have a special ability to understand the needs of her group mates—in particular, to recognize their limitations and vulnerabilities and adjust to them. This is especially evident in her interactions with Willy B but it’s true of all of her relationships to varying degrees. Rayne was the first to be added to the reintroduction group after Cy and Willy B’s week together in part because of this skill.
I share the video below to give you a sense of what this kind of social intelligence looks like in practice. I want to make it clear that interpreting chimp behavior is always a fraught exercise. We simply can’t get in their heads and thus I really don’t know what Rayne intended, if she intended anything at all. Perhaps I’m just telling myself, and now you, a story.
But it’s notable that since Rayne was added to the group, Cy and Willy B have been spending a lot more time grooming one another. Mr. Aloof and Mr. Awkward, brought together by a common interest in dominance, a shared fondness for female swellings, and a good friend that, subtle though she may be, seems to know what she’s doing.
Don’t forget about our Comfort & Joy Online Auction, going on now! You can bid on dozens of items to bring comfort and joy to the chimps and to yourself. Do you know what would bring me comfort? And maybe even a little joy? Replacing the components to our driveway entrance gate that were recently stolen and installing additional security measures to prevent future thefts. We’re about a third of the way there as I write this—thank you!
Rayne is making good things happen.
Sometimes we all need a strong woman to show us a better way.
Don’t forget to Vote !!!:flag_um:
that’s one savvy chick, I mean chimp! Love these behavioral insight posts.
You seem a bit surprised at Rayne’s capabilities, whether subtle or deliberate. never underestimate the power of a strong willed female who makes her own way through life, even if she does need her forehead oiled up now and again
Never underestimate the power of a woman. Go Rayne! Did Cy and Willy B manage to groom each other for 10 minutes (referring to Diana’s post from yesterday) after Rayne fixed them up? Mr. Aloof and Mr. Awkward, very funny and fitting.
If Cy is the alpha of the nine, why didn’t Rayne groom Cy first and then Willy? Rhetorical question I guess since, as you noted, you can’t get into their heads. It did surprise me.
Thanks for keeping us informed on the re-introduction progress and thank you for answering my first batch of questions on the topic last week.
We should not be surprised at Rayne’s capabilities, whether subtle or deliberate. Never underestimate the power of a strong willed female who makes her own way through life, even if she does need her forehead oiled up now and again
Raynee – wise mediator – reminds me of Mama, the alpha female in Burger’s Zoo, about whom we can read very vivid descriptions and stories in the books by Frans de Waal.
You go Rayne! Proof that while the boys may be doing the big dominance displays, it’s the girls who are really keeping things in order! She’s such a savvy lady and a good friend. Every group needs a Rayne!
How sad that people would steal from a sanctuary.