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Primarily Primates Newsletter
Spring 2012
Chimpanzees: We Can Work It Out
A little over a year ago, PPI staffers got together to discuss the possibility of introducing two groups of chimpanzees—each consisting of one male and two females. The first group consisted of Uriah (31 yrs old), April (40) and Buffy (37). The second group: Buck (16 yrs old), Holly (25) and Mandy (39). We mulled various ways to form the group of six chimpanzees. We also discussed at great length the possibilities of how to handle any problems that could arise. Our biggest fear was how the two adult male chimpanzees would interact and whether they’d accept one another.
Despite our fears, the introduction of both these groups was not only pretty seamless, but truly unique. Uriah and Buck are both alpha males, and during the introduction process, we discovered that each of them had two caring females who would stand by them in case of a dispute. While scraps and minor bites are common during disputes, Buck—who was raised as a pet by humans—lacked any real adult chimpanzee experience, and as a result was the more aggressive of the two. Uriah took a step down from the Alpha male role and Buck was very much the king of his new castle.
But Buck had something coming up that Uriah already had: a vasectomy. For a couple of weeks afterwards, Buck was out of commission as alpha male and upon his return, he discovered that the two females who thoroughly backed him up, had time to get to know April, Buffy, and Uriah without him. Buck, who was not up to speed (for obvious reasons) attempted to reassert himself as Alpha male, and Uriah gave him a good thump on the head.
Buck went screaming to a corner of the enclosure, and was soon hugged and comforted by others—including Uriah! It was as if Uriah was saying “sorry!”
Buck is now alpha male sometimes—and so is Uriah! They have come to some sort of arrangement whereby they both get to display and behave like alpha males just as long as they don’t get too close to each other during their displays.
This unusual arrangement makes this group of chimpanzees one of the most intriguing groups of great apes residing at the sanctuary. What a pleasure they are to observe.
Editor’s Note: As this newsletter was going to press, Uriah died peacefully of natural causes on Saturday, February 25, 2012. He was 31 years old. He will be dearly missed.
Primarily Primates Newsletter
Winter 2011-12
Milestone
Primarily Primates just received certification from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS)—the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries and rescue centers. See Video.
“I have enjoyed working with Primarily Primates on the verification process,” said Patty Finch, the executive director of GFAS. “It is an important and large sanctuary, housing many of the most difficult to place animals, such as chimpanzees, many species of monkeys, and parrots. No matter what level of detail was requested of the sanctuary, they provided it without complaint. With more than 400 animals, it was quite a task for them.”
We are delighted by this recognition, as it allows our supporters to know that we take the difficult business of running a top-notch sanctuary seriously. The review was in-depth and rigorous, and it’s ongoing.
Primarily Primates Earns Verification from Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
‘Primarily Primates has set an ambitious course’ says GFAS director
The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is honored to announce that Primarily Primates has achieved GFAS Verification.
"I have enjoyed working with Primarily Primates on the verification process," states Patty Finch, executive director of GFAS. “It is an important and large sanctuary, housing many of the most difficult to place animals, such as chimpanzees, many species of monkeys, and parrots. No matter what level of detail was requested of the sanctuary, they provided it without complaint. With more than 400 animals, it was quite a task for them.”
The GFAS Verification means Primarily Primates meets the comprehensive and rigorous definition of a true sanctuary and is providing humane and responsible care of the animals, meeting thorough and peer-reviewed standards established by GFAS, which is the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries and rescue centers. The verification status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors worldwide and government agencies to recognize Primarily Primates as an organization that is worthy of support for continued growth and development.
2011 Year End Appeal
Dear Friend of Primarily Primates:
Reviewing an impressive year at Primarily Primates makes us so grateful to you. Your support has made the successes of 2011 possible. As you know, Primarily Primates endured and passed the test of the most daunting weather San Antonio has ever faced.
In record heat and drought, we ensured that the moneys, apes, birds, rescued cows and all animals on our grounds have had fresh water, nourishing food, and comfortable shelter. Our land has become a refuge for other animals fleeing nearby wildfires.
Throughout it all, we’ve stayed ahead of the curve with renovations and offerings for the animals in our care.
We’ve accepted complex rescues, and the rehabilitations for these animals are now under way, supported by exemplary medical care. New arrivals and longtime residents all benefit from our constant improvements, and their enjoyment shows.
