Daichi
This is a report on Daichi (32 years
old), who began life at Kumamoto Sanctuary, part of Kyoto University’s
Wildlife Research Centre, on 23 April 2019. Daichi was raised alone at
Horii Zoo, and the Sanctuary Project had been working to improve his
living conditions. Finally, approval was obtained from both parties to
transfer him.
First, a quarantine period
Quarantine began the day Daichi arrived at Kumamoto Sanctuary. This is
to treat parasites and check for illnesses before he can live with
other chimpanzees. During the quarantine period he was isolated, but
he could hear the voices of other chimpanzees. He would cock his ears
to listen to them, a nervous expression on his face. Having lived
alone for so long, being in isolation during the quarantine did not
seem to bother him much. He played with the staff and enjoyed being
groomed, and was sweet and affectionate with them. When there was an
uproar from the other chimpanzees, he would vocalise loudly as well.
Getting used to a new environment
On May 16th, the quarantine was completed with no problems and he
was moved to his new, permanent location. Straightaway, he could see
the other chimpanzees. Although nervous, he watched them steadily.
Most chimpanzees, when moved to a new location, are often afraid and
would avoid others, but Daichi showed no such fear. Instead, he was
full of curiosity. Because he was rather small in size, the other
chimpanzees seemed to treat him like a child. Only Gou displayed
aggression towards him. Everyone else - Kenboh, Sanzou, Lucky, Yukio
and Susumu - was friendly. From here, he got used to the rhythm and
environment of his new life, among the chimpanzees that he would
eventually live with.
Starting to live with fellow chimpanzees
On May 22nd, he started face-to-face meetings with Kenboh (♂44
years old). Kenboh is friendly to everyone, and he was amiable as well
as he approached Daichi. Daichi had been waiting, and he gave a very
warm welcome when he saw Kenboh. Showing their bellies, they panted
and kissed, and immediately started playing. Their voices rose as they
played for 10 minutes. Daichi, having been starved of chimpanzee
contact, quickly became greatly excited. Because the two of them got
together well, they could be put together that day. At one point their
play became rough and they cried and made a fuss. This did not last
long, and play resumed again immediately afterwards. Although they
were two middle-aged chimpanzees, they played together for a long time
like little children.
Suddenly an uproar from the other chimpanzees
scared Daichi. Overwhelmed, he collapsed and rolled on the floor,
crying. Kenboh approached him and allowed Daichi to cling on to him,
weeping for some time. Once Daichi had calmed down, the playing
resumed yet again. From this day, Daichi and Kenboh were together
constantly, and Daichi’s days of loneliness were over. Daichi now
follows Kenboh around every, learning from him how to live at the
sanctuary. They are constantly together from morning to night.
Whenever Kenboh peers at something, Daichi will be by his side,
looking intently as well. They are still playing and laughing together
today.
reported by Etsuko Nogami
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