I love watching subtle communication between chimpanzees and the social roles on display.
Missy is a socially savvy chimpanzee, and this video shows that. Though Negra is not physically dominant, particularly now that she is less mobile, she remains the Queen, and Missy is keenly aware and respectful of the social rules of her group.
This exchange reminded me of an instance, many years ago, when Missy was eating corn on the cob. Negra reached out her hand and grimaced towards Missy, and Missy calmly put the ear of corn in Negra’s hand. I think I put photos of it on the blog. I did a quick search and didn’t find the post. I’ve got a pair of brand-new Burrito socks as a prize for the first person who finds the post. It would probably be from 2008 or 2009.
