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RE: The chimpanzee elders : Field photography

in #animals7 years ago

This is really cool! Do the chimpanzee's that are older tend to act like they are retired (to use familiar terms)? You mentioned that Garbo still goes out and patrols, but is that common for a chimp that age? What cool research you are doing. Good luck and stay safe!

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I think this is a good question because it's a focus of my research! It seems like some individuals behavior changes. Some old male chimpanzees become less social, travel in smaller parties, and participate less frequently in behaviors like territorial boundary patrols. Looks kind of like retirement. But with the females? It's less clear. Garbo is definitely exceptional for her gregariousness, however, since not all females patrol regularly at any age. Thanks @ekpickle