I wanted to give you all a brief update on our reintroduction of Cy’s group (for background, see here and here).
We’ve reluctantly come to the conclusion that, at this time, these efforts are not going to lead to a level of stability that the chimps deserve. Willy B has shown signs of promise. I really think he could succeed in a group where Cy was the only other male. He’s more composed when it’s just him and Cy. Plus, Cy has the patience of a saint and enough confidence to let Willy blow off some steam once and a while without feeling threatened.
But Willy B can’t seem to control himself to the same degree when Terry and/or Gordo are in the group and neither Terry nor Gordo were gifted with Cy’s equanimity. Their reactions to Willy’s prodding only goad him on further. This results in a lot of stress, and the reintroduction process was not successful in changing these fundamental dynamics.
The reality for social animals like chimpanzees is that each individual’s welfare is interdependent and at times even negatively correlated with the welfare of those they live with. Finding a place for Willy in the group of nine opened up a world of opportunities for him but resulted in unresolved tension that impacted the whole group. Sometimes the pieces just don’t fit together in a way that makes sense for everyone. So we’ve got to keep working on the puzzle and try something different.
For now we are keeping them in subgroups that we believe will be stable and meet everyone’s needs as best as possible: Willy B, Honey B, Mave, & Dora in one group and Cy, Terry, Gordo, Rayne, and Lucky in another. There’s less social opportunity for now but more cohesion. Like the reintroduction process, these groupings will let us test out relationships and evaluate social dynamics, but without the same end goal of integrating all nine. What is the goal, then? One possibility is to keep them in these or similar subgroups. Another is to regularly rotate individuals between subgroups in a way that attempts to maintain most of the beneficial relationships that were formed in the larger group. And then there are possibilities to explore with the group on the other side of the building, which will undoubtedly be changing over the coming years as they age well into their 50s. We’re mindful that many of them will have a need for new social opportunities in the not-too-distant future.
It’s been a difficult conclusion to reach when both the chimps and the staff and volunteers have invested so much in making the larger group work. But that’s the nature of working with chimpanzees. You just have to keep moving forward with an open mind. We look forward to updating you along the way.
I’m sorry he’s left you stymied, JB.
I did think before that Gordito might feel less of a misfit on the other side, but it also doesn’t seem fair to send him over alone. And that would mean splitting up ladies. Mr B would probably enjoy having another dude around, and I have on occasion wondered what happens as the older ladies leave him behind. Hopefully, something will work out here.
Is he still displaying at 3pm even in the subgroup?
Yes, Willy does still display during the night, though less often.
Thanks for trying to use the reintroduction process as a means to settle the personality clashes. I’m sorry that the Californians didn’t jell as we all hoped. Please don’t give up on our Willy B, he’s a handful but we care and love him inspite of his violent outbursts.
Like Linda B above, I too, wonder if Willy B might not do better with the other group.
I would never put Willy B with the other group! poor Burrito! Gordo, maybe
Though there are always unforseen risks during introductions, I would actually be more concerned with Willy B’s safety if he were to be moved to another group by himself. He’s not much of a fighter, just an instigator.
I offer the following story: Years ago, after adopting a cat from a shelter, I was beside myself thinking that if this cat did not change her absolutely crazy antics and behavior I would have to return her to the shelter. I was in tears as I explained my concerns to a friend, and I did so “in front of the cat!” The next day, like magic, the cat was a totally different “person”…completely abandoning the behavior that was causing my concern and heartbreak. (I realize that there could be many other rational explanations for that sudden change in her behavior that had nothing to do with my words or my tears, but at the time it almost seemed that the cat had “heard” me and responded accordingly. So this story comes with the very naive, “wacky”” but well intentioned thought that if his favorite human person had a talk with Willy B …maybe he too will “listen” and respond as did that beloved cat. (After this crazy comment, I’ll have to change my moniker to a “pseudo-name”:blush:)
Nothing wrong with putting it out there into the universe….which I know they’ve done (ie. when Honey B first met Annie). But I don’t know if they’ve tried it in front of him
Thank you for informing us about your ongoing difficulties to resolve or, at the very least, manage the personality issues of Cy’s group. I can only imagine how difficult and heart wrenching this has been for all of you. On the positive side, you have tried everything possible and in the process, learned a great deal about each individual. From your hearts, you gave it your all and will continue to do so and this makes me grateful Willy is in your care. I’m willing to bet, that everyone in Cy’s group has learned a thing or two as well. We can see that all of your time and energy was well spent even if the results may not be what you hoped for…..yet.
Is there any chance that rotating the groups every now and then, as you have been doing, is a form of “good enrichment” (for lack of a better description) for the group? I guess the answer might be Yes for some but No for others. I’m sure some thrive in the consistency and comfort of routine while others might enjoy mixing things up a bit.
Willy B reminds me of a game we used to play at the Shelter where I volunteer. Sometimes there is a dog who has a very difficult time living in a shelter environment. Even in the best of settings, they have trouble coping. We would ask each other what is the one thing you would say to the dog if he/she could understand. My answer? I want them to know they are safe, protected, and loved. As long as they are in our care, we will do everything in our power to keep them safe. And I want them to relax, let go of their fears and anxiety, and find comfort in this truth. I have shared this thought, whispered into an ear of many a dog. I have long conversations! If only some could actually grasp what I’m saying.
The next time you sit down to have a heart-to-heart with Willy B, please tell him that we all love him for who he is, and we want him to understand that he is safe and cared for. Always. No matter what.
Rotating individuals between groups can be a form of enrichment. Some experts think it should be avoided, as the members have to constantly reestablish their relationships with one another. Others promote it – in fact, there is a chimp welfare resource that adds points to your total welfare score if you move chimps between groups (esp smaller groups). So we are all free to choose which experts to cite to back up our opinions on the matter 🙂
Thank you for your reply, J.B. I can see the answer to the question is as complicated as achieving a stable group. 🙂
I am sorry to hear that the process will not result in all nine living together, but I am grateful that the CSNW chimpanzees have such thoughtful people caring for them; people who are paying attention to each chimpanzee’s needs while also keeping the dynamics of the entire group in mind. I am also glad to know that the subgroup options that exist now give the chimpanzees opportunities to enjoy time with each other without the added stress of the larger group dynamics.
Thanks for the update, J.B. I wish all your hard work had led to the desired outcome, but I so appreciate CSNW’s commitment to making things work for all the chimps–even the eccentric Willy B.