Burrito was intently grooming Jody this afternoon:
Jody was pretty relaxed after the grooming session, as you can see by her drooped-lip facial expression:
Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest
Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary
by Diana
by Jackie
I don’t think I’ve ever met a more professional relaxer:
by Diana
Fights are really common among chimpanzees. Being a caregiver you get used to the intense screaming, which often occurs even during fights with no contact between participants. You also know by the sounds when things have escalated. There was a conflict about a week ago which resulted in some minor bite wounds between Foxie and Burrito. After a brief squabble this afternoon, this pair spent a lot of time grooming each other.
The wounds were the initial focus of the grooming – chimps will closely inspect injuries on themselves and each other and clean them up by removing debris. So, grooming is good for their physical health. It’s also important for the social health of the group. The act of grooming is the chimpanzee way of healing and strengthening bonds. (For more on fighting and making up, see also J.B.’s post Conflict and Reassurance with amazing photos of a reassurance hug between Burrito and Foxie from May 4th).
Foxie
Foxie grooming Burrito
sometimes grooming turns into playing – another great way to strengthen social bonds
by Elizabeth
by Diana
Today is a sponsor-a-day in honor of Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest supporter Debbie Redwine.
Happy Birthday from the Sutter Coast Conglomerate Chimps, Debbie!
Here’s a photo of another chimpanzee conglomerate (Jody, Negra and Missy) to wish you a happy and relaxing day with friends:
by J.B.
Grooming is one of the most important activities in chimpanzee society. The caregivers at CSNW play an important role in the chimps’ social world, so we also groom with the chimps when they request it. Some of the chimps like to be groomed by their caregivers, but others, like Jamie, prefer to do the grooming.
by J.B.
Missy and Annie spent some time grooming on the platform outside this afternoon. It had just started to sprinkle, so Missy covered herself up with a blanket to stay dry.
When chimps find something good during grooming (usually a piece of dead skin), they will often inspect it. Here, Annie is holding out her lower lip to check something out.
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