Ngamba Alpha male
 |
| Umutama |
The race for the alpha male position at the sanctuary has been one we have studied with much anxiety. Though the contenders took their time studying opponents, the results now are more clearer and more promising.
Umutama seems to have an upper hand over his contender because of the support he has gained from the dominant adults.
One morning in December, when the caregivers opened for the chimps to go to the forest where they would spend their day, Umutama was among the first to move out; with an intention of strategically positioning himself infront of the entrance to the raceway so all the chimps would bob for him as a sign of submission.
However, Kalema did not submit but instead passed by and went and sat at the feeding area waiting to be served his morning meal. This irritated Umutama who walked straight to Kalema to confront the latter about his behaviour. The confrontation resulted into a fight that would work to Kalema’s advantage as he is stronger than his counterpart. Meanwhile the adult chimps were watching from a distance but as it became clear that Umutama was being beaten, some of them came to his rescue- sending Kalema off over the fence and out into the staff area.
From the developments in the group at the moment, we are optimistic that the alpha male position will be filled soon. |
