Meet Keith – trusted friend and brother

By James Haworth

Keith, a 19-year-old chimpanzee with a short, stocky build and a distinguished white beard, is easy to enjoy. “He’s a sweet one,” says caregiver Fred Rubio, who holds a masters degree in primate behavior. “Keith’s engaging and playful—with his group mates and with caregivers.” And he’s easy to identify. “Keith’s got a prominent brow ridge that juts out like an Easter Island statue!”

Middle Man

One of the more quiet chimps in the group, Keith’s in the middle of the pack, in terms of dominance and rank. “He’s not top dog,” says Fred, “but he’s not getting pushed around, either.” And according to Fred, the middle’s not a bad place to be. “The more dominant chimps have responsibilities–breaking up fights, grooming, and reassuring the others. And the lower ranking chimps can get picked on. Being in the middle can be pretty okay!”  

Twinning

Keith’ best friend is his fraternal twin, Kevin—the two are rarely apart. Keith is the more relaxed and easygoing of the two. “Keith’s the rock,” says Fred. “Lower-ranking Kevin can get anxious.” 

When they’re stressed, the twins sit facing each other and rock slowly and slightly back and forth together, in unison. This self-soothing practice is unnatural in the wild, and more common in captivity. Surely this synchronized, rhythmic movement creates a feeling of togetherness, a visual and physical reminder that “you’re not alone.”

The twins are good friends with Scott, born in the same lab about two weeks after the twins. Caregivers sometimes call them “the triplets.” (Twins are rare among chimpanzees, and we feel fortunate to have two sets at the sanctuary. Plus another twin set, one half that is here but whose sibling is still at the lab.)

Girls are Scary

Along with the other chimps in his all-male group, Keith has been meeting the females who live next door, within sight but not reach. After a rocky start—at his first introduction, he seemed scared and unable to engage the females in a healthy manner—he’s become gentle and playful with the females. Nyia, in particular, has been making overtures to the twins and is quickly becoming their friend.

We’re so happy for Keith and his twin. How awesome that these friends and brothers have each other as they embark on a new chapter, living in peace and freedom at the sanctuary.

Show your support for Keith and his 95 chimp friends by making a donation for Giving Day for Apes today!