Terry is someone who really loves to spend quality time with his human friends. Many volunteers and staff can attest that Terry will go to great lengths to get your attention, and if you can’t interact with him yet (interactions with the chimpanzees require multiple levels of training first), he will let you know of his displeasure with that situation by spitting water at you, often aimed at your boots. Many of the other chimps in Terry’s group also want to spend time with their human friends, so it can be tricky to make time for everyone. I had some extra time the other afternoon, so I sought out sweet Terry. In today’s blog video, come along for an afternoon of Terry!
groom
Grooming Train
Grooming is so important in chimpanzee social groups.
Grooming is used to build and strengthen relationships, to reconcile after conflicts, and to reinforce the social hierarchy.
While George is still not comfortable grooming his group mates, he often finds himself in the middle of grooming trains.
We all look forward to the day that George returns the favor, and starts grooming his group mates.
In the meantime, his new family will continue to include him in this important ritual.
George is such a lucky guy!
Jamie and Foxie: It’s Complicated
Jamie and Foxie have a complicated relationship.
As the Alpha, Jamie rules with a bit of an iron fist, and often takes advantage of her position. Foxie is at the bottom of the social hierarchy and, because of this, is often targeted during conflicts. However, that doesn’t mean that Jamie and Foxie don’t spend quality time together, grooming and playing.
Today was one of those days! At least as far as Jamie was concerned..
If you have the time, check out these old blogs that highlight Jamie and Foxie’s play sessions!
https://chimpsnw.org/2010/05/foxie-and-jamies-epic-play-session/
https://chimpsnw.org/2011/01/jamie-and-foxies-wild-play/
https://chimpsnw.org/2011/04/troll-play/
https://chimpsnw.org/2014/11/chimpanzee-pretzel-play/
This And That
A while back, I posted a blog that included what I called “lousy photos“. The photos that we take throughout the day that don’t make it on the blog. This also happens with videos. You never know when you’ll catch a great moment, or have your phone knocked out of your hand! Or in my case, knocked into the drain.
Today, I’ve compiled a few videos that weren’t enough, for one reason or another, to warrant their own blog post. Willy B plays with a box, Rayne forages on the Bray, Ellen and Gordo play, and Honey B works on her nest.
Personal Space (lack of)
When I was watching this trio grooming, it occurred to me that humans differ from chimpanzees in the amount of physical closeness they have with each other, and that I don’t really know what it’s like to have so little personal space.
Then Honey B asked to groom me. She was including me in this important social behavior they were sharing.
I will never stop being humbled by this job.
Easy Like a Sunday Morning
While it wasn’t exactly quiet in the Chimp House this morning, I did stumble upon some quiet moments.
It’s been so fun watching George make friends. And while Cy is definitely George’s defender, Gordo seems to be his closest friend. Back in February, you got to see George and Gordo play, play, play! But they also spend time grooming. Well, Gordo grooms George, George grooms George. George has adapted so well to his new living environment and social group, but he still isn’t grooming the other chimps. Someday soon, we hope.
On the other side of the building, I caught Negra up on a bench in one of the front rooms, enjoying her meal. Usually, when we serve a meal, everyone gets one item at a time before we move to the next item. But not Negra! She wants you to load her up with everything! Which she will stuff into her mouth, hands, feet and sometimes her pelvic pocket, and hit the road. Then she can take her time enjoying her meal, often times in bed!
These quiet moments are some of the best.
A Visit From Dora
Gordo recently joined the introduction group, leaving just Dora behind from Cy’s original group of 6. While Dora waits to join the introduction, she went to visit Willy B, Honey B, and Mave. In today’s blog video, see how excited everyone was to be reunited with Dora! Unfortunately Willy B gets overstimulated with Dora in the group long term and begins to pick on her, so she is now living with Mave until she is ready to join the introduction.
