Annie is by nature a sweet and shy soul. Probably due in part to her personality, she is also lowest in the social hierarchy of her chimpanzee family. But don’t think this means that she can’t hold her own when she feels strongly enough about something or doesn’t find a way to get what she wants. We’ve even witnessed her stand face to face with Jamie during arguments! And the backing of her best friend, Missy, will often give her additional courage when needed.
At the same time Annie does a great job at her role of being a subordinate chimpanzee. For example, when taking food she cautiously looks around to make sure it’s OK with everyone else (this usually means Jamie and Missy). This is completely normal behavior in chimpanzee society and there is typically more political savvy exercised than physical force. And while by nature she is less interested in interacting with the humans and prefers the company of her chimpanzee friends, if she wants to interact with us she finds a way to do so without getting into trouble.
When I went in to greet the chimpanzees this morning, much to my delight, Annie ran over to say good morning to me. But then she turned her back to me, looked around, and quickly turned her head to the side to offer me a quick kiss on the back of my hand. Then she looked around again to make sure the coast was clear and reached out to tickle my hand. And off she ran to start the rest of her day. These moments with Annie are such a treat. It makes my heart smile to see her becoming more courageous and comfortable in her own skin. She may be quiet but she’s sly!
Katelyn — So Annie has to be careful abou taking food even with her BFF Missy?
Hi Amy,
Thanks for the question! Yes, Missy is more dominant than Annie and will sometimes get upset if Annie is served before her or will occasionally take her food (again normal behavior in chimpanzee society). This occurs occasionally with all of the chimpanzees dependent on who is more dominant. We always try to offer Jamie her serving first to acknowledge that we respect her role as “the boss.” Free living chimps have ample opportunity to obtain other food in these instances. But whereas the chimps are dependent on us for their food we typically serve them by hand to make sure everyone gets their full serving.
Annie is so good at directing her caregivers in a direction so she feels safe from the more dominate individuals. I appreciate this, makes things much easier for both of us. Annie is a “soft soul” gentle and loving.
And sooooo beautiful!!!!
VERY interesting! what possible threat did she perceive by interacting with human caregivers? and does she typically interact in this same way with human caregivers? also, what is her typical response when humans shes not familiar with come near?
What a precious soul she is! Thank you for sharing a little about Annie.
Nice to see a write up about Annie. I confess I focus on other chimps in the group more, but there is a lot to Annie, some of which is evidenced in the knowing look in the first (beautiful) photo. Thanks for this!
It makes it extra special when Annie takes the chance of giving you attention. It’s like a secret you have with her 🙂
Hey Katelyn – Thanks for sharing this inside tidbit about Annie. I think that girl and I have a lot more in common that I might have guessed. I can be quiet, but sly or mischievous at times. I believe Connie and Lynn can contest to that. 🙂 BTW, great photos of Annie. She’s one beautiful chimp.
Hi Annie,
That’s funny. I think we quiet ones have just as much going on as others (and sometimes more!) haha. I believe I pilfered these photos from Diana and yes, they are beautiful!
Hi Katelyn,
I know everyone says Jamie and Missy are at the top of the hierarchy, but I think Annie’s in control-;) The photos are great, thank you so much for sharing, I look forward to it everyday!
Annie your awesome!
Your adoring fan,
Jo
Hi Jo,
Annie IS awesome and one clever lady! We are so glad to know you enjoy the blog. Thanks so much for caring about the chimpanzees!
So, I guess you might say that at times Annie is passive aggressive:)
I LOVE that there’s that determined side to Annie that means she’ll stand face to face with Jamie if she feels she needs to. Annie is so beautiful and so lovely, she’s like the Audrey Hepburn of the chimpanzee world.
It’s also nice knowing Annie has such a good friend in Missy. Seems to me those two have the closest friendship among the 7, with Jamie and Foxie being a close second.