CENTER FOR GREAT APES

One of the most delicate activities of a sanctuary is to integrate a group of chimpanzees or integrate an individual in a formed group. Let’s see the report by Patti Ragan, from Center for Great Apes, in Wauchula, Florida, with an example of an integration:

Roger, 30 years old, and  Daisy, 28, both coming from circus, have a story to tell at the sanctuary. After worked for the circus, Roger had been put in ca cage for years and was exhibited in a small road zoo, common in United States. He had never lived with other chimpanzee before. In the beginning Roger was put with Chipper, another former circus worker. But one year later he became afraid of Chipper, due to an aggression with no cause at all.

As a result, Roger had to been put with Daisy, who had just arrived from California and they lived well together. This month the group of two was expanded to four individuals, when two young females, Angel and Natsu, were incorporated. Angel is the unknown daughter of Daisy, who had been caught of her mother as soon she was born and had never been seen since then. Angel was able to meet her unknown mother 10 years later. What is the most wonderful is that both of them, mother and daughter, felt immediate attraction and spend the time exchanging caress, while Roger and Natsu play and tickle one another. The next step of the integration is already previewed: Mickey, 23 years old, who lived in cage inside a garage for ten years, would be very well welcomed by the group.

Dr. Pedro A Ynterian
President, GAP Project International