I’ve wanted to write about my admiration for Cy for some time but I can never find the words.
I guess I’ll start here: Yesterday, we added Terry to the intro group, along with Rayne and George. Terry and George had a few brief scuffles during their earlier meetings, which is one of the reasons why we chose to add Terry now—so that they can work out their differences before Terry has even more of his old group mates to back him up. The first few hours were quiet, with Terry making some awkward invitations to George to play and George politely declining out of an abundance of caution. But just before dinner, Jamie’s group began to fight, and the noise led Terry to display, raking a plastic bowl on the ground and banging on the walls. At first, George quietly observed and stayed out of Terry’s way. But a male chimp can only stay silent for so long, and he eventually joined in with his own double-kick to the window glass. Terry didn’t appreciate that.
In established groups, male chimps display side-by-side all the time, but it’s clear that many members of Cy’s group are out to teach George a lesson early on: You have not earned the right to display yet. As soon as George’s feet hit the floor, Terry screamed and ran after him. Rayne followed close behind. George was, for the first time, learning how it feels to be outnumbered.
As George was chased from the playroom to the greenhouse and back, Cy ran by his side, throwing his own body into the breach every time George was cornered. He picked Rayne up and threw her to the side. He dove to grab Terry’s feet as he nearly slipped away in pursuit of George. He was a superhero, again.
Terry and Rayne got the message and left George alone. Or maybe they said all they needed to say. But when it was over, George was virtually unscathed, and Cy had sustained a deep canine gash to the wrist. Throughout the night, Cy stayed by George’s side.
Why would Cy do this? To be sure, there are often selfish explanations for seemingly altruistic acts. I scratch your back so that you may one day scratch mine, right? But the way Cy acts reflects something deeper, something that I can only describe as a sense of moral duty. For whatever reason, Cy is duty-bound to sacrifice himself for the benefit of those more vulnerable than him. And this is not only an admirable trait, but a crucial component of any attempt to integrate a lone, socially naive chimp like George.
Today was much calmer, though George continued to show some understandable unease with the volatility of his new group mates (as seen in today’s video). But he had Cy to lean on. And Terry, in his own awkward way, showed that he didn’t hold a grudge. By the end of the day, they would all be grooming in the greenhouse, held together by a reluctant hero.
I’ve loved and felt a strong bond with a lot of nonhuman animals before. But I look up to Cy. And I wish there were more people, both human and non-, like him in the world.
What a moving tribute to a great guy, Cy! Thanks so much for sharing the ins and outs of integrating George into Cy’s group, like the video from today. Not only are you describing different personalities among the chimps, but also you are informing us about chimp behavior which I so appreciate. I wonder how typical is Cy’s behavior in his support of George to alpha male behavior in wild chimp groups? Thanks and please continue to keep us informed!
It seems that chimpanzee leaders, like human leaders, exhibit different styles. Some have a more “despotic” style, which is to say the more selfish and aggressive style that fits the popular conception of alpha behavior. Others are more interested in building coalitions and maintaining stability. de Waal explores these different aspects of alpha behavior in many of his books, including alphas protecting underdogs. There are also stories of alphas in the wild defending infants and other vulnerable members of the group.
Thank you, Cy for being a good friend and protector of George!
Its interesting isnt it? Three different groups with three very different leadership styles.
As much as I have always been facinated by Jamie, I think I would want Cy as my alpha.
And Annie is the one screamimg… well here is a surprise!! Hahaha!!
My response exactly to “the screaming is coming over the fence, from Annie.”
-Well, of course, who else? :slight_smile:
I admire Cy so much! What an example for humans and chimps both! Thank you for this lovely tribute to a Cy.
The way Cy protected and cared for George touched me deeply! What an amazing friend George has!
JB,
Can you make that photo available for purchase?
Seems like I always need tissues these days when I read the blog, in a good way. Your description of the relationships is so loving and beautiful. If we are voting, I support Cy receiving whatever he wants, whenever he wants, forever!! 😉
ALL the mangos! or whatever it is he likes!
wow! Cy……a true leader…if only Professor Cy would sign up to teach a semester on compassion/communication to humans who sorely need his instruction and insightful wisdom…….the classroom would be filled with eager students fulfilling a life-skills requirement……
Does that deep gash on the wrist require any treatment?
We’re keeping an eye on it and treating it topically for now, along with some analgesics for pain. Wounds like these are pretty common in chimps and they tend to heal up pretty quickly without much intervention.
Thanks, J.B.
I remember when the first 3 Californians came, and you commented on how much you loved Mave and her high social I.Q.
Seems like Cy has 10 times that amount, luckily for sweet Georgie. You can see he knows he has a protector in Cy.
Was George reciprocating during the grooming party later?
And with George being so young and smaller, is there any chance that he’ll grow any more, or will he always be the second or third smallest?
George hasn’t started reciprocating grooming yet. He is still underweight – he is tall but I don’t think he’ll be as stout as Cy and Terry once he puts on more weight.
And size plays a role in their place in the hierarchy, right?
It plays a role but social IQ and temperment are just as important if not more so
Cy for president 2028!
Now there’s a thought! Cy’s diplomacy skills seem laudable, but where does he stand on social issues? If he does seek the presidency, he would have to compete in the Iowa Caucus. While Iowa does not have a large contingent of giraffes, elephants*, scary lions, Peppa Pigs, and Scooby-Doos, the bovine voting block has a considerable presence in that state. Not only that, but the wearing of flannel shirts by potential Caucus attendees may prove to be an obstacle to his presidential aspirations.
*And, given his stated aversion towards elephants, one wonders what is Cy’s campaign position on donkeys?
Perfect balance in the troop. Cy is responsible for George’s protection while Rayne is in charge of his education.
Cy never ceases to amaze me. He never had a chance to develop his leadership skills through learning from older chimps. Yet, somehow, he managed to figure out how to be a great leader all on his own. CSNW is so lucky to have such an amazing guy. Even among humans, I think a person like Cy is quite the rarity.
In addition to the wonderful blog post, I love the Time magazine cover of Cy! How perfectly fitting.
You can see why Cy is such a great leader. He is keenly observant and aware of the personalities and emotions of his friends. Cy places the needs of these friends above his and he does this with subtle gestures and serious attention to others at the same time. He’s what I would call a quiet hero. Or in other words, he’s a true hero. He doesn’t want the kudos and admiration, he steps in, even if he isn’t asked, and helps those in need. Seems as if Cy has this special inner understanding or altruism allowing him to sometimes put himself on the line knowing the right outcome will transpire because he made the effort. It’s in his nature as you pointed out. Cy was not taught this. And I’m not sure if you can be taught such a thing.
As to your wish for having more people like Cy in this world, human and non-human, I believe there are more than we imagine. That’s what makes their leadership or their actions so deserving of our respect. They do not do it for the attention. They just act on their natural instinct to ensure others are properly helped and care for. I might be so inclined, J.B., to place you in the same category alongside Cy. When Mave , Honey B, and Willy B, needed to be relocated from the Wildlife Waystation, you swiftly came to their rescue without question and you readily adapted your sanctuary building to make a safe home for them. When there were four cattle at California’s Farm Sanctuary, once again you came to the rescue. The same can be said about the arrival of Cy and his family. And now, dear little George. You and Diana, without hesitation or question, with faith in your abilities, and the ability of your staff, and with wholehearted hope that your supporters would be there for these changes, you made the brave decision each and every time to save animals in need guaranteeing them a sanctuary home. I think if you were to ask Cy who he looks up to, he would look up to you.
Hear, hear!
You are too kind, Kathleen. We wouldn’t be quite as stoic as Cy with a wrist wound 🙂
Cy is every superlative adjectiive you can think of. His intelligence, intuitiveness and kindness are astounding. He is truly Primate of the Year.
great commentary. thanks so much, jb.
Wow, Cy is a super hero. Well done big boy! Now, My beautiful pal Terry, you be a good big boy too :blue_heart:!
Well written words Kathleen