Negra, the grumpy 43-year-old Queen of the Cle Elum Seven, plays differently than the other chimps. Usually, she plays at one quarter speed. You can often see her playing gently with Missy in the loft or greenhouse while they are waiting for breakfast. Missy does her best to play at Negra’s pace, and the look on her face indicates that she is more excited about the very idea that she got the sleepy old lady to play than she is about the game itself. Look everybody, Negra is playing!
But when Negra is feeling really playful, she is a different animal altogether. There’s no smiling. No laughing, either. And all the hitting and wrestling that chimpanzees usually tone down and smooth over when playing is dished out with full force. She slaps her playmates. She headbutts them. She slams them into the wall. She grabs them by the feet and refuses to let go.
Missy and Foxie are well acquainted with Negra’s style of play, but it often comes as a surprise to the other chimps. At these times, they look more like hostages than playmates. At one point in this video, Jody turns to the camera, seemingly hoping that someone will step in to save her. But alas, there’s nothing we can do. Playtime isn’t over until Negra says so.
That was great. Jody is so agile as tumbles and stumbles to get away from Negra. But Jody has her droopy relaxed bottom lip so she is enjoying herself right? And the photo of Negra and Missy playing is so precious.
Who was making the grunt sounds?
Jody’s not upset, but I think she’s had enough 🙂 She trying to figure out how to politely convey that to Negra but Negra’s not taking the hint. Those sounds are coming from Jody – that’s her “low moan”, or what we like to call her dinosaur noise.
To follow up on that, do any of the chimps ever get angry at Negra because they’ve had enough, or would that break the hierarchy?
I don’t recall seeing anyone get mad at Negra in those circumstances but I have seen them get scared/upset. Just a few weeks ago, Negra was playing rough with Foxie and Foxie started to get scared because Negra was pinning her feet down as she was standing high up on a railing. Foxie screamed and sought reassurance from another chimp but she didn’t lash out at Negra. I think it’s a combination of them being very understanding of Negra and also respectful of her status.
Fascinating. Thanks!
So interesting to see them interact! They’re playful, loving and feisty with each other and even angry sometimes and scared too. Just like humans!! Thanks so very much for the vids!! Hugs to all!
Happy New Year!
We enjoy looking at photos, reading the blog and watching videos of the Chimps. Providence ElderPlace is the only PACE program in Washington state (Program for All-inclusive Care for the Elderly). We have been looking at your website for about 6 months 1 x a month and really enjoy it. We are looking for a service project to work on in 2017. Is there anything you need made? We have alot of crafters here!
Thank You for taking such good care of our brothers and sisters!
The Wednesday group at Providence ElderPlace West
It’s so great to hear that your group follows the chimps! I really wish we could find a way to take you up on such a kind offer. Unfortunately, the chimps are so destructive and our safety requirements are so specific that it can be difficult to accept handmade items. The last thing we ever want is for people to spend their time and/or money on something that can’t be given to the chimps or doesn’t last more than a minute.
If something does come to mind I will certainly let you know. And in the meantime, enjoy the blog! We’re so glad you stay tuned in to what they are doing.