MOM 2006 journal for pdf.pmd - University of Michigan-Flint
MOM 2006 journal for pdf.pmd - University of Michigan-Flint
MOM 2006 journal for pdf.pmd - University of Michigan-Flint
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Since the requirements <strong>of</strong> surviving in a zoo are different than those in the wild, many behaviors<br />
may be affected, such as behavioral patterns may be suppressed, enhanced, or distorted, and this<br />
should be considered in the results <strong>of</strong> the study (Paterson 2001). Additionally, behavior is<br />
internalized and interpreted by an observer, a human being, which is also subject to error and bias<br />
(e.g. anthropomorphism and anthropocentrism).<br />
This study focuses on the gender relationships <strong>of</strong> the chimpanzees at the DZI as they are<br />
reintegrated back into one troop. The core group <strong>of</strong> chimpanzees consists <strong>of</strong> seven females<br />
(Beauty, Trixie, Bubbles, Abby, Akati, Tanya, and Chiana) who have been with each other <strong>for</strong><br />
varying years. The group is dominated by the physically strongest female, Beauty. The two<br />
males come from different zoos and have different back grounds. Bahati, who is 21 years old,<br />
came from a zoo in Portland, Oregon. Imara, who is 10 years old, came from the Chaffee Zoo in<br />
Fresno, Cali<strong>for</strong>nia (Table 1).<br />
Table 1 The Detroit Zoological Institute chimpanzee troop<br />
Name Sex Birth Date *=estimated Birth Type Rearing<br />
Trixie F 1/1/1970* Wild Caught Unknown<br />
Bubbles F 1/1/1971* Wild Caught Unknown<br />
Beauty F 1/1/1973* Wild Caught Unknown<br />
Abby F 5/16/1983 Captive Born Mother Raised<br />
Bahati M 3/13/1984 Wild Caught Portland, OR<br />
Akati F 1/20/1987 Captive Born Hand Raised/Surrogate: Bubbles<br />
Tanya F 4/8/1991 Captive Born Mother Raised-Parents: Joe Joe & Trixie<br />
Chiana F 2/9/1994 Captive Born Mother Raised-Parents: Joe Joe & Abby<br />
Imara M 8/18/1995 Captive Born Fresno, CA<br />
When the original introduction took place in 2003, the DZI had great success. The dominant<br />
females, Beauty and Abby, were expected to cause problems in the introduction, especially to<br />
Imara. In the past, they have been aggressive and overruling to males or other chimpanzees they<br />
do not like. For this reason, introductions were made slowly. The individuals chosen <strong>for</strong> the<br />
initial introduction were carefully selected by the principle keeper <strong>of</strong> the exhibit, saving the more<br />
difficult situation with Beauty and Abby until the end. This proved to help the troop’s<br />
relationship because Beauty and Abby seen the relationships built between the Bahati, Imara, and<br />
the less dominate females. They realized Bahati might possibly become a dominant male. Imara,<br />
on the other hand, was always at risk <strong>of</strong> having troubles with these females because he is young<br />
and easily pushed around. Neither Bahati nor Imara were in social situations at their previous<br />
locations where they had to defend their dominance or stick up <strong>for</strong> a fellow male. The females<br />
eventually realized Bahati is peaceful and would not defend Imara in a fight.<br />
After approximately a year <strong>of</strong> peaceful interactions, the females began to gang up on Imara.<br />
Several injuries later, Imara was separated from Beauty and Abby. It proved difficult to rotate<br />
individuals within the troop and keep Imara separate from the females while maintaining strong<br />
relationships with everyone else within the troop. One night without warning, Bahati became<br />
extremely sick and was almost paralyzed. After five months <strong>of</strong> MRI’s, CAT scans, spinal taps,<br />
Meeting <strong>of</strong> Minds <strong>2006</strong> 9