As J.B. announced in his blog earlier this week, we have begun the process of introducing George to other chimpanzees at the sanctuary! This process is both very exciting, and a little nerve-wracking, as we all want the best for both George and his hopeful new friends. With this said, here are some great reminders to keep in mind about introductions with chimpanzees that J.B. shared earlier this week, which can help in understanding today’s 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. Terry and Rayne were chosen as next partners due to their personalities and social skills, as we want to give George as many positive experiences meeting others before he faces potentially more difficult introductions.
- 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.
They seemed to be patient and gentle with eachother. What fun and encouraging video. I love being a part George’s new journey.
looked like it went well. for a Bandonite to see George thriving is a wnderful thing. thank you
how does george react when the visiting chimp leaves?
So far, George has stayed calm and returned to his normal routine once the newly introduced chimp leaves the area. With both Cy and Terry, George was still interested in interacting when we were first ready to end the introduction, so they spent a little more time together until they allowed us to close the door to separate them again.
i’m glad that after moments of apprehension Terry settled down and their grooming looked very relaxed. Good going you guys.
First of all, I’m glad George dressed up for his meet and greet with Rayne. Nothing like a sharp dressed man at first glance. The grooming to George must have felt great to him and I’m so impressed with your approach to his introduction to all the new experiences and environment. Thank you so much to all of you.
I too was going to say “always dressed for the occasion!”
So interesting. I wonder what happened with Rayne. Seems like George has some pretty good social skills wouldn’t you say? His infant friends and Daphne taught him pretty well.
His social skills have really impressed us so far! His first meeting with Terry was especially impressive, as he continually showed Terry he “came in peace” versus taking advantage of Terry’s apprehension to assert himself. He worked hard to reassure Terry and was patient with him, and it paid off in the end with play and grooming. It was not clear what his motivations were for the repetitive displaying and disinterest in interacting at the end of his introduction with Rayne. Perhaps we will have more insight on this in the future once we have experienced more introductions with him.
Wow, some of those slaps really ring out!
George really does gave a great play face, bless!
I noticed that when Rayne was grooming him, he was starting to reciprocate.
Maybe he’s just got to learn to modulate, or regulate. When he first meets them, he goes all out. When he was done with Rayne, you knew it!
Poor guy has been alone for two years, it’s going to take some getting used to, having others around 24/7.
I was going to ask if you guys include meal service in these introduction days, but I’m guessing the answer is no.
Thanks for sharing the process with us!
He did start to touch Rayne’s toes, which then turned into play a little later on. He did reciprocate some grooming with Terry, which I don’t think we were able to catch in the video, but we were all happy to see! He really is doing so well, all things considered, and impresses us with how he handles each new experience in sanctuary life. As for meal service – we plan the day so that they can receive their meals before and after their introductions, so as not to introduce any potential competition over food items.
Somehow, I feel as if Jody is there with George. Can’t think of another chimp with a magnificent droopy bottom lip like Jody (well… maybe Neggie) and now George. Here are some thoughts that ran through my head while watching the video :
• New interactions may be uncomfortable and awkward but how exciting for George to be discovering new chimp people.
• After being alone for such a long time, how good it must feel to groom and be groomed by another chimpanzee.
• George appears to be socially savvy, or he was with Terry, but what do I know! What are your feelings on George’s reactions and interactions so far?
• How much time passes in between each introduction? Do you have a few mesh meetings before the meeting where you actually open the door? (Thinking of the old Howdy door meetings)
No need to answer these questions here but maybe topics for future George posts. George just seems so brave and willing to embrace everything….especially that stylish blue head-waistband!!
I noticed that when Terry came, his waistband was white and when Rayne was there it was blue. So either he changed for his new guest, or they were done on different days. It’s probably best to do them on separate days, if he gets overwhelmed
Yes, absolutely. I assumed there were days in between his meetings. But I was curious how much time. Is it a couple of days, to keep the pace moving or a week or more to give him time to keep getting used to his surroundings before his next meeting? It’s also fascinating, isn’t it?
He seens to take it all in stride, bless him
I think it is safe to say that George is impressing all of us with his social skills thus far, and we anxiously hope to see that continue! His interactions with Terry were especially encouraging, and I am personally interested (and hopeful) to see how he does once he meets others that may be less patient and potentially more volatile in response to things like extended, repetitive displaying. There is so much that still lies ahead for us in this introduction process, but these first steps have been encouraging.
The time between introductions varies, largely due to needing to meet the needs of the sanctuary as a whole and boring human things like scheduling. It takes quite a bit of work to set up for, execute, and then rearrange chimpanzees for the introduction process, so we need more staff onsite to accomodate this. His introductions have been on different days, and they could be back to back days or there may be several days in between, but again this is more so based on human scheduling.
Thank you, Ellen, for replying to all of our questions. It makes sense that your schedules drive the day. Interesting to know that George could meet on consecutive days if your schedules allow. I wasn’t sure if meetings were overwhelming (for lack of a better word) and perhaps George needed time to take in the experience before he met another chimp. Especially since he’s has lived alone for so long. George does seem to be adaptable to all situations and oh so happy to be a part of the sanctuary life with all of you.
Raynee is just fabulous.:green_heart:
Good boy George! You’re going to have a fabulous home with fabulous friends.
You go George!!! I know intros take time, but I am glad George is off to such a good start! Looking stylish, to boot!
What are the current weights of the males in Cy’s group, including George?
It is lovely to see George so enthusiastic about getting playmates.
What a great video! I found myself holding my breath and then relaxing several times. George was a sweet gentleman with Terry and Rayne. While there was some displaying, the boys worked it out and did some grooming. Rayne and George’s grooming time was sweet. I can see why it’s so important to have theses meet and greets. Praying they continue to go well. Thank you for sharing with us!:heart::heart:
PS: Wow! With planning/scheduling for Missy’s clinic visit running parallel with planning/scheduling George’s social life, it”s been extra extra crazy there. Gosh how do you do it?? thank you thank you so very much everyone.