One of the reasons why we chose to introduce George to Cy’s group, at least to start, is that he needs some good role models. Having lived alone or with only one other chimpanzee for most of his life, he never had the opportunity to fully develop his social skills. And that can have serious consequences. Failure to follow the rules of a social group can get a chimp into trouble pretty quickly, especially when entering the group alone. We love Jamie and Willy B as people, but as leaders of their respective groups, they each leave a lot to be desired. They might be tough, but they are also insecure, capricious, and generally self-interested. I have a hard time imagining either of them sticking their neck out to defend a naive newcomer like George.
Cy and Rayne, on the other hand, are exemplars of true leadership. In addition to being tough, they are also kind, fair, tolerant, and forgiving. One way to think about the process that George is going through right now is that this is his chance to make mistakes. I hate to see him get in scuffles or to be in distress, but I can’t help thinking to myself: Screw up now George, it’s only going to get more difficult from here! We want him to offend Rayne when Rayne gets to decide how to respond, and not Rayne trailed by four other screaming chimps. We want him to learn about the privilege of dominance, and the price paid for disrespect, when Cy is the one doing the teaching.
George has proven himself to be up for the challenge of learning to be a chimp—as long as he keeps paying attention to his teachers.
That was fascinating. Really appreciate the comments in the video explaining what is happening at each step
Has there ever been a greater chimp leader than Cy. He is strong, while being kind and in his own way understanding what George needs. Golly gee, can we get him to model behavior for humans like he does for George. It may have bern a distressful few minutes for George to learn respect for Rayne and I’m sure it was also for the CSNW staff to observe, but it all worked out well didn’t it. She is a champion of reconciliation. I’ve watched this three times to see the tag team of Cy/Rayne helping George along the way. Thank you for your knowledge and skill in the placement of George in the right troop.
Cy’s a good guy
Thanks, JB.
Like others, I have wondered why George started out on this side of the house, which is still divided at the moment. This explains a lot.
It was obvious that this was a lot for one guy to take in all at once. I’m glad that Cy respected his need for some quiet time. Was that gum I saw Cy tossing on to the ground?:slight_smile:
I noticed that even George’s request for reassurance don’t look like the other chimps’. It looks more like a human beckoning to a child. which, knowing his background, makes total sense.
This makes it so clear how George is impacted by previous lengthy confinement. it was heartwarming to see Cy and Rayne help him. My sense is that all 3 want him to be successful.
Thank you for captioning the video in detail. That was a full day for George! Since Rayne sees the boys display often, or so I assume, what was it about George’s display here that sent her into a tizzy? Poor George. For a guy with a sheltered past, learning social graces/pressures and individual personalities, and then learning how to navigate cues once you recognize them, seems like a lot to absorb. I hope being young helps George. I think about the difficulties Willy B still strives to overcome.
You must feel like you are living on pins and needles some days and on other days, like today, seeing Cy and Rayne caring for George must make it all worthwhile. Seeing Cy quietly sitting next to George made me so very appreciative and grateful for everything thing you do.
George tried to intimidate Rayne in the first minutes of their very first intro. So she appears to be making a point of telling him that she won’t tolerate any more of that nonsense.
Poor George. And the video was an excellent example of chimp manners, civilization. Thank you.
Oh. George, how lucky you are to have Cy and Rayne and the entire CSNW staff working together to help you learn. Rather Pygmalion-esque in a way. Holding good thoughts for continued learning for George. That look on his face while he was spending time alone outside on the structure said so much.. I hope he is processing all that he needs to. Thank you for the wonderful post and explanations.
George is so lucky he’s got Cy and Rayne to teach him how to be a chimp! Cy is such an amazing leader, staying neutral during a conflict, providing just the right amount of reassurance, and making sure to give George some quiet Grooming later. Rayne is a tough lady, but she’s also quick to forgive and I almost cried seeing her hug George out on the Bray when he was feeling unsure. So much must still feel so alien to George, being thrust into an entirely new environemt and culture, but he’s doing so well!
No matter how many times we see videos of Chimp behavior, it is always always so fascinating! And you do such a great job explaining. I can’t imagine George being in any better place than CSNW. George is in the right place for George.
Thanks for sharing and explaining the chimps behavior as well as the role and leadership provided by Raye and Cy. My heart hurts for George’s adjustment to normal social situations unfamiliar to him, I’m glad your knowledge and guidance is avaiable for George. I’m also so impressed with Cy and Rayne’s skills and understanding with this little guy. The hugs are a big plus for everyone even to the observers.