Page 27 - Local Voices, Local Choices Excerpt

Local ambassadors: learning from and speaking for the chimps 25
a thumping sound to make Freud curious,” he recalls. “When Freud went over to investigate, Prof ambushed him to the ground and they both ran laughing. They played that game often. Prof, he was my favorite. He would walk with me to protect me from harm. He once saved me from a snake I didn’t see, by running over and shouting to warn me. He was standing two feet in front of me, shouting, because he knew the danger and knew I might be killed.”
Something else Mzee Yahaya observed is that chimps are “like humans in matters of governance—it’s the same as us. For example, when I began working there, the chimp’s leader was Figan, and little by little, young Goblin appeared. Goblin had no older brothers, he was just a little boy, but he had the sense to follow Figan, because of his status. He was try- ing to learn how to take over the leadership, so he began to associate with Figan. As Figan was building himself up, Goblin followed him to watch and learn.” The researchers use the term “building himself up” to explain the dramatic displays of posturing, strength, and speed males use to show group members how formidable they are, should others be tempted to challenge their ranking. “Goblin sees, ‘So this is the way he builds him- self?’” Mzee Yahaya continues. “Goblin copied and began building himself, and when Figan calmed down, Goblin went to pay homage and respect by holding his back and rubbing it, just like hugging. That was how Gob- lin kept his alliance, and he stayed that way for many months. Some time later Goblin realized, ‘I can overthrow him, have I not studied him?’
“Goblin had learned everything he needed to learn to win a battle. One day, Goblin was building himself up, so Figan passes in front of him. Then Goblin passes in front of Figan in response. Suddenly they rush each other and collide, fighting, wrestling, only the two of them. Twice, then thrice, until Figan was defeated by Goblin. Afterwards, Figan went over to Goblin and acknowledged his dominance, and I was surprised to see young Goblin take control. He was small, and he had no male kin. Figan saw that he was being ruled by a small child and eventually left the group. We followed him, said goodbye, and he was no longer seen,