Allies
February 21, 2011 by Jackie -
Grooming is a very important part of chimpanzee culture and serves to form alliances and strengthen bonds. The other night, there was a minor fight and Jamie got a couple of wounds on her foot and on her head. Missy is usually our most diligent groomer and often follows folks around trying to groom their injuries, which is exactly what she did for Jamie today. I suppose she could just be a clean-freak, or she could be strengthening her allies for the next conflict– it’s pretty smart either way.
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How sweet of Missy. Looks like Jamie is enjoying the attention! Thank you for the photos.
Maybe Missy is the natural healer in the group. 🙂
lovely …
Who gave Jamie her injuries? Did this disagreement occur after you all left for the night? I had a little chuckle when I saw the boot sticking out of Jamie’s hip pocket. Missy’s facial expression is one of intense concentration.
It’s hard to say who caused the injuries, Candy. The fight was primarily between Jamie and Jody, but everyone was involved. It happened during dinner, when Jody tried to get a piece of fruit that had landed just outside of the caging. While we can’t say for sure why the fight broke out, Jamie can be pretty insecure about her position as leader, and got very upset when Jody tried to do “her” job. Chimpanzee politics can be very complex though, so we just can’t say for sure what lead up to this incident. Things settled down pretty quickly, and everyone began grooming each other and nesting for the night. Thankfully no one was seriously injured.
it never ceases to amaze how quickly and noisily fights break out and with a minute all is calm again ! x i think it stresses us out more than the chimps !
The mood on Saturday was very different than what I have experienced before…Diana talked about the minor fight that had taken place the day before. Jamie allowed her to photograph her “booboo” on her foot which I thought was amazing. Very smart of Missy to gain alliances with Jamie!!
this is lovely , and it reminds me of when my niece was little she loved nothing better then inspecting any scabs or sores anyone might have !
Interesting that Jamie is the one who was injured. I see she has a boot to comfort her. Darling Missy. Whatever her motivations, she is a great one to have around when you want attention to an owie.
Missy looks like a doctor thoroughly checking out her patient!!! I love how they take care of each other.
Missy is such a darling girl. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly a squabble can begin and end. No grudges and everyone forgives. I wish humans could be as benevolent. Thank goodness chimps are tough animals and fast healers!