Forgiveness
June 15, 2023 by Anna -
Just like humans, chimpanzee interpersonal relationships are complicated. Chimpanzees laugh, play, grieve and generally display all the same emotions that we do. They also fight. Watching a chimpanzee fight can be extremely scary to an onlooker and in my opinion, is one of the least enviable aspects of having to be a chimpanzee. This morning Jamie’s group got into a small fight after reentering the playroom when we finished cleaning (don’t worry, no one was hurt). During the conflict, Jamie and Burrito seemed to be targeting Foxie in particular with their wrath. Jamie would scream and Burrito would chase Foxie, then Foxie would scream at the top of her very considerable register and run away. Rinse and repeat. As you might imagine, it was hard to watch but things died down relatively quickly and we humans continued the cleaning process.
This leads me to one of the most enviable parts of being a chimpanzee… Approximately thirty minutes after the dramatic screaming match, I wondered out to the greenhouse and found Foxie and Burrito calmly grooming on a platform like nothing had happened. Their ability to forgive each other, make amends, strengthen their bond and move forward with their day is truly breathtaking.
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Glad no one got hurt.
You can only manage one side of the house, right Anna? “chimp bouncer” isn’t on your job description!
How have the group dynamics changed since the loss of Jodie?
Good question. I think they are relatively the same as they were before but it’s still early to tell.
All’s well that ends well, but you sure need to be on your toes! Glad to see the bonding again; forgive and forget.
I wonder, is the volume and fuss equal to the grievance or do they make a lot of noise and fuss over small slights? It must awful to listen to and watch it all play out. Luckily, this time, no one was hurt. Whew. But it is amazing, and enviable as you say, that they make amends and move on so quickly. How did that skill set get dropped from our DNA?!
i believe it was one of you wonderful, hardworking, caring, loving CSNW non-chimp primates who wrote this in a blog — “The Art and Science of Restorative Grooming to Re-establish Domestic Tranquility.” if not, please dont tell Franz deWaal I quoted him without giving him credit. Chimps are the most amzing “forgive and forget,” “all is well,” “tomorrow is another day” beings on the planet. I envy them. We humans could learn a lot.
We humans should pay more attention to the animal kingdom. They have relationships pretty much figured out. All your wonderful care and love for these chimps brings my heart happy feelings. Thank you.
It truly boggles my mind!!
We humans can learn a lot from Chimpanzees.