Let’s groom!
August 30, 2024 by Jenna -
Grooming is an important part of being a chimpanzee. Chimpanzees spend a majority of their day grooming, either themselves or each other. Not only does it help one be clean of dead skin, dirt, plants, debris, bugs, etc., it also helps build and maintain friendships and social relationships.
As we have discussed many times before, Willy B is an awkward chimpanzee. It seems like he doesn’t know what to do in many situations. However, one thing he has down is grooming. He grooms with the boys in his group the most, but can often be seen grooming with Rayne or Mave. Check out today’s video to see Willy B focused on grooming his group members! I threw in some footage of a current funny mystery we have going in the chimp house, as well. I’m curious as to who you think is the culprit.
Photos from today:
Cy grooming Volunteer Lizz
Cy portraits. Are you kidding me?! Look at this guy!
Gordo piloerect:
Gordo not piloerect:
13 Comments
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Gordo really looks huge when he’s pilo! What got him upset?
He’s looking out rhe window….maybe the ladies?
He does have a soft spot for sweet little Foxie…
Isn’t it a wonderful relief that Willy B is not only an excellent groomer, he appears to enjoy the process and the bonding. I hope over time he’ll improve upon other skills. Thanks for the bonus photos of dashing Cy. And I am amazed at the comparison of Gordo piloerect versus normal. It looks like two different chimps!
The mystery?! Any chance little Foxie stashed her doll up high to save it for play later? Maybe she figured out that she doesn’t actually need a babysitter, just a secret hideaway.
That was my bet….she put her there bc she likes to “rescue” her dills from perilous sitiations.:slight_smile:
Anybody got any idea why the chimps evolved the teeth clacking while they groom?. It seems chimps worldwide do it.
I think it’s a way of concentrating, like people supposedly sticking their tongues out while focused (though I’ve only known one person who did that)
I had not thought of that. Seems like a good reason as the do look like they are very focused.
Found the post!
https://staging.chimpsnw.org/tag/sympathetic-mouth-movements/
Looks like Willy B is the butt grooming specialist bless him. Love the photos of gorgeous Cy and Gordo appears to be able to expand considerably! I suspect too that Foxy stashed her doll up there for safe keeping.
I think it’s a way of concentrating, like people supposedly sticking their tongues out while focused (though I’ve only known one person who did that)
Dr. Willy B is performing a precision surgical intervention on the patients:sweat_smile: I don’t have a clue about how teeth-clacking has evolved, but it definitely reminds me of cats’ involuntary jaw-clacking when they see a prey (birds). There are lots of explanation for that behaviour, for me it seems like elevated level of excitement, but they need to remain completely still. Maybe it’s similar for chimps – they’re overexcited by the potential “prey” (insects or parasites), but with trembling fingers they wouldn’t be able to catch them. I’m sure they’re experiencing a dopamine-rush!
Found the post!
https://staging.chimpsnw.org/tag/sympathetic-mouth-movements/