Jan van Hooff, a distinguished emeritus professor of behavioral biology at Utrecht University and co-founder of the Burgers colony, shares a deep bond with Mama the chimpanzee.
Their friendship dates back to 1972 when he took on the role of her caretaker.
As Mama, the 59-year-old chimp, approached the end of her life, Hooff felt it was essential to visit her one last time.
Mama wasn’t just any chimp; she was the oldest and the respected matriarch of the chimpanzee colony at the Royal Burgers Zoo in Arnhem, Netherlands.
Mama’s significance in the colony was profound.
She held a pivotal social position, a dynamic captured by Frans de Waal in his description of “Chimpanzee Politics.”
As age took its toll, Mama’s health deteriorated rapidly.
About a week before her passing, she was in a dire state, refusing food and water, and lying motionless, curled up.
When Hooff arrived, Mama was in a deep state of lethargy.
But the moment she recognized his presence, a transformation occurred.
The sight of her old friend brought a wave of emotions, evident from the radiant smile that appeared on her face.
The moment Hooff called out to her, she responded with a joyous cry, reaching out to hold his hand.
The reunion was deeply touching. Mama’s face lit up with happiness, and she gently touched Hooff’s head.
The bond they shared was evident in the way she gazed into his eyes, patting him affectionately.
She even extended her arms, pulling him into a warm embrace.
It was clear that even after all these years, Mama’s memory of Hooff remained intact.
Chimpanzees possess a remarkable ability to recognize faces, be it of their own kind or humans.
This skill is not just limited to humans, as highlighted by Live Science.
The connection between a chimp and a human proves the deep emotional and cognitive capabilities these animals possess.
Masaki Tomonaga, a renowned primatologist and comparative cognitive scientist at Kyoto University’s Primate Research Institute in Japan, shared insights with Live Science.
He emphasized, “Both humans and chimpanzees have developed a specialized ability for face processing.”
This suggests that faces play a crucial role in the social dynamics of both species.
The way both humans and chimps process facial information might be rooted in their evolutionary journey, shedding light on the intricacies of social intelligence.
However, the emotional reunion took a toll on Mama’s energy.
After a while, she began to show signs of fatigue and had to rest.
But it’s undeniable that Hooff’s visit provided her with immense comfort during her final days.
The heartwarming encounter between Mama and Hooff was captured on video, showcasing the depth of their bond.
The raw emotions and genuine affection displayed in the video serve as a poignant reminder of the profound connections that can exist between different species.
The story of Mama and Hooff is a testament to the deep emotional bonds that can form between animals and humans.
It’s a reminder that relationships, irrespective of species, are built on trust, love, and mutual respect.
See this heartwarming moment in the video below!
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