This time, we'd like to introduce Jin, a Chimpanzee at Tama Zoo who was raised by hand and eventually joined a group. Jin was born on July 2, 2008, and is now 10 years old. His story was featured on television and even made into a book ("What Chimpanzee Teach Us About What's Important as a Human Being: Tama Zoo Edition" (2011, Tokuma Shoten)). We also covered his story in previous articles (see related articles below).

Jin (1 year old: right) and his adoptive mother Sazae		Current Gin		Jin playing with Fubuki

Jin is steadily growing into an adult. He has become more noticeable in displays (behaviors to show off his strength), which are common in adult males, compared to last year (2017). He has also started exhibiting more adult male behaviors, such as following females in heat or, conversely, leading females around. However, he seems to often perform these behaviors secretly where Bonbon (male, 13 years old), who is more dominant than Jin, cannot see him (Jin's behavior was the same towards the male Kenta, but sadly Kenta passed away on June 29, 2018, at the age of 37). The announcement is here.).

Jin seems to understand to some extent that he is of low status, as he not only greets dominant males but also grooms them. Jin also grooms females he is interested in. For Chimpanzee, grooming is an important behavior for communicating with others. It seems that he is starting to lay the groundwork for building good relationships now and forging a dominant position in the future.

On the other hand, he still shows signs of being a playful child. Jin is a good playmate for Fubuki (male, 4 years old), and Chimpanzee like laughter can be heard frequently. When Fubuki is playing with other individuals, Jin will often watch them intently, and when Fubuki approaches, Jin will reach out his hand, conveying his desire to play.

Jin is approaching adulthood while still retaining a childlike innocence. I believe he will grow even stronger both physically and mentally, and compete with other males of his generation for the top spot. Competition among adult male Chimpanzee is not simply a test of strength; it requires complex factors such as navigating the group and showing consideration for females. As his caretaker, I am very interested to see how Jin will fare in this environment.

◎Related articles
・ A baby Chimpanzee has been born! (August 15, 2008)
・ Jin, Chimpanzee who was raised by hand. (October 17, 2008)
・ The growth of Chimpanzee "Jin" (May 7, 2010)
・ Jin, Chimpanzee raised by hand, has successfully joined the group along with his foster mother! (August 12, 2010)
・ animal keeper observed Chimpanzee "Jin" joining the group. (August 13, 2010)

[Sumire Sato, Animal Care and Exhibition Staff, North Tama Zoo]

(July 6, 2018)