Now that George has completed his quarantine period, become familiar with the greenhouses and playrooms, and explored the two-acre outdoor habitat known as The Bray, it’s time for him to make some new friends! If you are new to the sanctuary, here’s some information that may help explain what you will see in the above video:
- It can be difficult to integrate chimpanzees social groups because they are naturally hostile or fearful toward strangers and have the capacity for intense aggression
- That said, sanctuaries and zoos do regularly integrate chimpanzees into groups, though not without challenges
- We will be following a slow, methodical approach in which George repeatedly meets all of his potential group mates one-on-one over the course of months
- These initial introductions take place in the smaller Front Rooms so that we can more easily separate them should they get into a serious fight (some fighting is to be expected)
- Conducting them in the Front Rooms, with thick plastic sheets over the windows, also reduces the influence of the other chimps during these initial meetings
- Dominance displays are common during introductions, as each chimpanzee tries to demonstrate their strength and agility. These displays actually help chimpanzees avoid fighting by exchanging information about the likely outcome of a physical altercation.
- Intense play and grooming are also common as chimpanzee get to know each other.
- We chose to begin with Cy because he has shown himself to be a gentle and caring leader who seeks to protect the underdogs in his group.
- Though George’s meeting with Cy went well, he will face a lot of challenges over the coming months. Meeting other chimpanzees one-on-one is one thing; being fully integrated into an already established group is another. George will be vulnerable, so establishing good relationships with the others, and especially with Cy, will be critical.
George is really something. Even after living on concrete, he’s exploring his grassy two-acre outdoor enclosure almost without hesitation. And now, after living with only one female for most of his life and living alone since 2023, he’s hitting it off with the alpha male of what may someday be his new group. I know I say this about every chimp I’ve met, but I really admire him. Whether this integration is ultimately successful or not, George is most certainly going to take advantage of his second chance.
So glad to see this! I took an instant liking to George, have felt his vulnerability, thought that though he’s lived alone for so long it would be wonderful for him to have friends. As you say, J.B.- Go, George!
I’m so pleased for George and how he interacted with Cy today. He is a very special chimp!
I’m so happy he’s in such capable hands to help him socially integrate in a safe way. This is incrdible to witness and get to be a part of. Thank you.
Wow, what a nervous start. But, i’m glad that all went well for this first introduction. i see Galloping George has taken a liking to the headbands as waistbands stylish fashion at CSNW.
its so wonderful to follow George’s progress.
Aw, George, that’s a great play face!
I noticed he didn’t wait for Cy to come in when you opened the door, he just took the initiative and went through (this has been “his” space there, after all.) Seems like he’s a bit like Honey B, JB, dialed up to 10 from the start.
Do you know how long he had the roommate at the safari park? Has he had opportunity to play with other chimps? He’s probably got some reviewing to do.
So wonderful to see him starting to make a friend. Do you know his Birthday?
I think he just had one a few weeks ago
George’s birthday is 4/5/2004.
George ariived at the zoo in 2011 and lived with one female, Daphne, until 2023. Prior to the zoo, he was in entertainment and we don’t know anything yet about his time there other than the fact that he was used in a TV show in Germany.
From the begining, each step has seemed meant to be and now Cy! This is so good?
From the begining, each step has seemed meant to be and now Cy! This is so good?
This is wonderful to see. Cy is such a gift.
Go George!!! I know you all had to be holding your breath, but watching George and Cy play and be silly makes it all worth it! It’s a good sign that George shows submissive behaviors, too. I am so excited to see him continue to meet new friends!
Also, Annie is such a style icon! Honey B, Lucky, Rayne, and now Goerge?! She’s started a trend with her waistbands!
Yay George! Thank you Cy for being so welcoming. We are happy this went so well. Whew.
It was really moving to see bookworm Cy realizing that gorgeous George “is just a kid” and engaging in silly wrestling games with him. I suppose the next lucky candidate for Georgie is “socially savvy” Rayne, right? ?
That’s a surprise! Cy was the last one that I thought would be chosen, but after a scary start, which I know didn’t seem that bad to you, it was lovely to see them play. And it was George that was doing the chasing in the end and Cy pretending to get away! What about little Dora for his next playmate? Maybe the other boys wouldn’t be as pliant as dear Cy?.
I was slightly concerned when George went first through the door to Cy, but they eventuallly settled down like old friends. I’m guessing the tap dancing display sounds were from George, love his fashion sense too.
what a wonderful thing to watch. Just out of curiosity, how would you separate them if need be?
In the case of intense aggression, we would attempt to close a door between them, using a hose, CO2 fire extinguisher (not directly at them), or bear scare darts to distract them.
Oh, my word, what an absolute privilege to witness George having his first chimpanzee interaction at the sanctuary and Cy was very interested in getting to know this new guy.Down to business with sniffing the rear ends (was that to determine the sex)?and then plenty of rough and tumble. I felt your intensity while you watched the initial interaction. I can totally understand as things could have gone wrong between these two darlings but in the end it all worked out a treat. A sigh of relief all round and that moment well worth
waiting for.
Actually, chimps don’t rely on olfaction any more than we do and they seem to use the same visual cues we use to determine sex (chimps can also tell the difference between human males and females). They often present rear ends to initiate grooming or as a signal of submission.
Thanks for explaining that J.B. Both Cy and George were off to a good start!
Just this morning I thought: “I wonder if George has experienced the MAVE-hug yet”.
And there he is, engaged with Cy…..is has begun.
Promissing signs of submitting, and also enhusiastic play and display; I think he is going to be just fine.
And I loooove the waistband on him; did he see one of the girls with one? or is he just creative??
I think he figured that out himself.
I really like George. It a short time, he has really shown his wonderful personality. I so hope that all goes well with is integration and he can live in peace and happiness there.
Oh my goodness, I am so glad that you experts are there watching because this was scary to me. this was really a good lesson that these guys are awfully cute and Cy is a wonderful and benevolent ruler but they still have their social rituals to go through and sometimes they can be a little bit more violent than you would expect. George handled it like a champ!
And this is about as calm as an introduction between two males can get!
Cy is a good leader and friend. Everyone knows he’s the boss but he makes you aware of this with a show of strength and kindness, curiosity and understanding. Cy is amazing.
So far, we’ve seen little reluctance or hesitation from George when it comes to engaging in a new experience. We all keep saying how brave he is, and today he really proved it. Couldn’t believe he went straight through the door directly up to Cy. That made a statement! At times, it looked as if their interaction had a touch of “nervous energy” (for lack of a better word). But then I kept seeing George’s big beautiful droopy bottom lip! Not to mention, he was sporting his groovy and stylish blue headband. A wise fashion choice when meeting someone as important as Cy. Clearly the waistband accessory signaled to Cy that George is one of the cool kids!
As observers, each one of you must’ve been holding your breath, but at the same time feeling so proud of your hard work and accomplishments in understanding your new friend, George. Thank you so much for showing him love and expanding his world.
Thank you so much for sharing this with all of us. My heart was torn apart constantly thinking about George, cold and alone in that little cage for years with no one listening. Now the joy to see him healthy, happy and taking on the last part of his healing journey. I so appreciate your sharing this with us and thank you for your facility and expertise in bringing George the beautiul life he deserves. The thrill to see him try new foods, touch grass, play and now make new friends. Seeing your videos is one of the best parts of my day now.
It’s the best part of the day for many of us :slight_smile:
As excited as I was to see George meet Cy, I was just as excited for George’s long time followers. I can just imagine how happy and excited they are. I am so happy for them!
Fabulous. ?
Thank you!
This is such an interesting process. I’m anxious for George to have a group. Please tell us more about George and the blue sweat band. It’s really entertaining. Maybe he is imitating someone at the sanctuary who wears a belt. Does he ever remove the sweat band?
He’s been wearing it for the better part of a week now. He’s the third chimp here that has stumbled upon that fashion.
there have been quite the chimp fashion statements over the years! You should see Jamie and her quite sophisticated scarf knots. they should put together a fashion show blog, highlighting all the different waistbands and head scarves over the years. hey, wink wink, Paris fashion week is September 29 to October 7.
There’s a video on YT called “CSNW Style”, but it doesn’t include Jaime bracchiating in a tutu (“Adventures in a tutu”) or Honey B tying the apron around herself like a sarong.
Honey B in that apron will forever be my all-time favorite. Still cracks me up!!
found it! had to share
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IueAlmVZLAI&pp=ygUZQWR2ZW50dXJlcyBpbiBhIHR1dHUgY3Nudw%3D%3D
I’m not chimp savvy, wonder who you think pulled off the top dominance position in this first meeting?
I think it’s clear that Cy didn’t feel too threatened by the new guy but it common for them not to show a lot of explicit dominance and submission behaviors when they first meet. What we’ll be looking for down the road are bobs and pant-grunts from the subordinate and bluff displays, arm-overs, and displacement for resources from the dominant. These things tend to emerge more over time unless there is an aggressive conflict with a clear winner and loser.
George sure does look at least part bonobo. Especially next to Cy. interesting. sure wish we had baby pictures.