Marlon

On November 30, 2016, Marlon arrived at Project Chimps to finally live in sanctuary after almost 16 years in a research lab environment. Marlon can often be seen playing with Haylee and Precious but also joins Taz, Josh, Quintin and Patrick to set out into the habitat and do a perimeter check to make sure everything’s okay. Once finished, it’s off to enjoy the sun on strategically placed platforms in the North Yard of the Peachtree Habitat in celebration of a job well done. 

Marlon has always been human-oriented so we’re careful to limit his attention from people. It’s far more important for his well-being to form bonds with his group mates as opposed to his caregivers.  

He still enjoys meeting new care staff and makes a point to greet them. But, since his arrival, we’re thrilled that he’s become much more comfortable interacting with his fellow chimps. The growth has been evident and we feel so lucky to have been able to afford him that opportunity since November of 2016. 

Lately, he’s been forming a stronger bond with Quintin, a lower ranking male in his group. In true chimp fashion, these bonds have political motivations. Marlon likes to antagonize the alpha male Patrick but, in order to do so, he needs some back up. Remembering his beginnings here in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s awesome to see Marlon involving himself in normal chimp behavior and drama… even if his choice of back up isn’t exactly influential within the group.