Man of Mystery
November 9, 2019 by Diana -
Willy B remains somewhat of a mystery to me and to some of the chimpanzees too, I think.
Maybe he’s the big silent type. He definitely can be difficult to read and he rarely makes eye contact when I’m serving him food. That trait, combined with his size, has caused me to affectionately refer to him as a gorilla.
He seems to take time to feel settled and is rather aloof in new situations. With all of the many new experiences and combinations of new chimpanzees he’s been meeting, he’s been pretty aloof for the last few weeks, with very rare breaks to let his guard down for a bit to play with Burrito.
Most of the time, he’s been keeping to himself. Today, we gave him and the rest of the group access to the front rooms for the first time. He’s seen other chimps in those rooms, but hasn’t really had the chance to hang out in them. He seemed to enjoy the option to get away from the group and it gave us the chance to snap a couple of photos of him (above) in front room four, which we also call the “portrait studio” because of the nice lighting.
It was the first time in over a month that I’ve been able to get him to respond just a little to my invitation to play chase. It didn’t last long, but he did his characteristic double-tap across front room three a couple of times. Maybe he was just humoring me.
Despite his relatively mellow nature, as he gets more comfortable, we have observed him being the tiniest bit intimidating at meals. All it takes from this large guy is the slightest look or a motion of his arm, presumably indicating that he wants the food being served, and the female chimpanzees next to him react in fear. I don’t blame them! He’s a gorilla!
Interestingly, Burrito doesn’t seem intimidated by him at meals and will sit right next to him when they are being served, even taking food that Willy B has dropped. Is this because Willy B doesn’t want to dominate Burrito in the same way he easily does the females, or is he playing it cool for the moment until he gets more comfortable? We’ll just have to wait and see.
Burrito has actually surprised us quite a bit. We tend to think of him as someone who gets wound up and just can’t contain his energy, but he’s clearly modulating his displays and being careful not to charge anyone. Who knew Burrito had so much self control? The calming presence of Mave is likely helping him (these two have been grooming a LOT), but even before she was added to the group on Thursday, Burrito was impressing us with his heretofore-unknown ability to keep his composure. Even chimpanzees we’ve known for over a decade can surprise us.
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As long as the OG Mister B doesn’t completely lose his twinkle, I think composure would work for everyone! (do I see Neggie in the back with her hand waaay up!?)
He stiil looked a little subdued while grooming with Mave yesterday, slightly cowed.
Looks like Willy’s brow ridge and wrist are starting to heal.
Burrito probably likes sitting next to him, because the supply will be steady…is he back to climbing the caging at mealtimes, Diana?
Hi Linda! I’m not sure about the climbing the caging? I guess it depends on where we serve.
Do you think he wonders about his old friends from WW? A lot of time was spent with them and I wonder if the separation has anything to do with the way he’s been acting. He looks thoughtful in these pictures.
His human friends? Perhaps. He seems to be someone who takes time to adjust. Honey B had an initial adjustment period too, though once she got comfortable she seemed to remain that way, for the most part. With Willy B each new change gives him a bit of pause. Maybe he’s just more of a cautious fellow.
Diana, were these 3 houses together at WW, or were they part ofa larger group? I know they had over 40 there, but there’s no way they were all in one group.
It was just the three of them housed together as a group. There were chimps adjacent to them, but they didn’t share the same space.
Willy B is strikingly handsome (scrapes and all). Was he living with another or other males before? Let’s hope he is just like a gorilla, big but gentle. : )
I agree, Kathleen, he is quite handsome! He has lived with a male in the past, but not for some time, from what I understand. I think that notion of gorillas being peaceful giants is a little exaggerated and context dependent. 🙂
Willy B was exactly the same way as a youngster. A bit aloof, didn’t always get into the mix, and hard to read at times. But I think he can handle his new role with the help of amazing Mave.
A man of mystery even as a youngster! Thanks, Nancy.
Kelsi must be loving the fingers and toes in these photos!
What beautiful photos of this handsome, imposing young man! He’s quite a guy!.
With that good lighting it becomes clear that Willie B has been through the wars. Fitting that Monday is Veterans’ Day. I’ll be thinking about him!
I was just wondering if you know what happened to Willie B’s wrists and face? Was he injured ? He sure is cute! I’m glad he’s with you !!
Hi Nancy! Willy B has callouses on his wrists that are likely from frequent displaying where he bangs the back of his hands against walls and objects. This kind of displaying is very normal and I’ve known several male chimpanzees who have similar callouses. He also got a cut on his wrist and his brow ridge during the large fight when we briefly had all ten of the chimpanzees together. Willy B’s scrapes were quite minor, but his friends have been picking at the scabs, making them look more dramatic than they are.
Stunning photos of this big and complex man.. Thank you Diana!
He has such a distinctive face, I think I will always recognise him