Chimp Conflicts and the Peacemaker
By James Oatis
Unfortunately not everybody gets along with each other. If only we could love everyone! Conflict and disagreement are observed all the time in social groups and settings between people. These problems are sometimes solved by a third person in the group who mediates and compromises a solution. The same behavior can be seen in chimpanzees as they try to navigate their own conflicts with cooperation in their communities.
Enter the role of The Peacemaker.
How Chimp Conflicts Start, Work, and End
The World Wildlife Fund[1] reports, the size range of wild chimpanzee communities are around 15-80 chimps; here at the sanctuary, groups range from 13-19 members. Because of the size of these groups, disagreements are bound to happen among chimps. Dr. Martin N. Muller and Dr. John C. Mitani state in Conflict and Cooperation in Wild Chimpanzees[2], that most chimpanzee conflicts arise from food, females, and status in the community. Another cause could be as simple as a chimp taking out his bad mood on a fellow chimp or someone stealing a favorite blanket or toy.
When chimp quarrels reach a possibly violent or physical level, an alpha chimp can solve the dispute, with or without force[3]. After peace is made, the community returns to grooming and playing with each other.
Chimp Refereeing and Interference in Conflict
Here at the sanctuary, the Chimp’s Ahoy Villa has an important high-ranking chimp who helps the alpha. Her name is Lindsey, and she oversees “breaking the bread” between two chimps.
According to Kalli Kohnen, a caregiver, Lindsey does a great job at being aware of her fellow chimps’ emotions and feelings. When conflict does arise, Lindsey will keep the peace by either separating the chimps or by distracting one of them. These methods of Lindsey’s to solve problems are beneficial to her community, as she uses non-violent ways to solve chimp conflicts. Her favorite methods of distraction include trying to play with one of the chimps or grooming them.
Chimps Stick Up for Their Friends
When not having to solve problems in the community between chimps, Lindsey will spend lots of time with her best friend Rosemary. Born one day apart, Rosemary is a more reserved and shyer chimp who has been lifelong friends with Lindsey. While Lindsey is bold and explores the sanctuary habitat, Rosemary chooses to spend her days indoors waiting for her friend to return from her own adventures.
No matter what, Lindsey will always be in Rosemary’s corner when she is uncomfortable or sad. Kalli observed a younger chimp teasing Rosemary, which Lindsey put a quick stop to. Lindsey also shows generosity with her friend as she will give Rosemary some of her sweet potatoes, a favorite snack.
Chimp Conflicts and Similarities to Humans
With the structure of chimp communities, many parallels are seen in humans, conflicts arise in both species. Like humans, chimps would rather resolve conflict with a diplomatic solution to problems and cooperate, rather than fight [4]. Keeping order and maintaining structure through communities is of high importance for chimps and people. This makes peacekeepers like Lindsey essential for mitigating conflicts.
Thank goodness for peacekeeper chimps!
If you would like to support Lindsey or Rosemary, consider sending a gift from their Amazon Wish Lists, or by sponsoring one or both of these chimps to support their annual care.
