For one year, starting in April 2017, we have been sharing stories about Chimpanzee at Tama Zoo, including the arrival of Sakura (female, 8 years old) into the group and the struggles of the newcomer Kei (female, 37 years old) as she adjusted to the facility. This time, we will tell you about Decky (male, 40 years old), Chimpanzee who supported Sakura and Kei behind the scenes.

Decky has a very innocent and tolerant personality. Compared to other adult Chimpanzee, he plays with the children more often and always looks happy. Also, while male chimpanzees don't try to take back food that other individuals have stolen, Decky will sometimes give away his favorite foods if asked. This tolerant nature of Decky has been a source of support for Sakura and Kei.


Decky playing with Fubuki (male, 4 years old)
When practicing to integrate Sakura into the flock, Decky often helps her. If another individual attacks Sakura, Decky will often come over to her side, and sometimes even fight back against the attacker. Decky has other friendly individuals besides Sakura, but even when fights break out between them and Sakura, he rarely harms Sakura.

Sakura also seems to have a great deal of trust in Decky, and whenever trouble arises, she is the first to move to Decky's side. Thanks to this trusting relationship, Sakura has become so integrated into the group that animal keeper now mistakenly believe she has always been at Tama Zoo.

Sakura (left) and Decky		Kei (back) and Decky

Furthermore, Kei had long had no interaction with other Chimpanzee and struggled to communicate effectively. It was Decky who broadened Kei's range of behaviors. From the first time they lived together, Decky never displayed any aggressive behavior and was friendly enough to groom Kei. As Kei gradually became more accustomed to Decky, she began inviting him to play, and Decky responded by playing with a smile on his face. While grooming and playing are common behaviors for Chimpanzee, I believe it was a very novel experience for Kei.

What makes Decky so great is not his dominance through force, but his gentle nature and tolerance in supporting Sakura and Kei. I believe that Decky's presence will continue to be a source of strength for the two of them.

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

(March 30, 2018)