Amisero, or Ami as we call her, is the highest-ranking female in her group. Though physical strength is much less of a factor in female chimpanzee hierarchy, I believe Ami’s strength contributes to her being the alpha female. As one of the biggest chimpanzees in the Sanctuary weighing close to 76 kilos, Ami is not one to push around!

Despite her strength, Ami is a great leader who doesn’t use her power to mistreat the other chimpanzees. In fact, she is a mediator in most conflict situations. She once stopped a fight between Chippie and Naika without using any violence. Chippie and Naika were screaming at each other, close to exchanging blows over an orange when Ami calmly walked over to them and started grooming. This gentle act indicated that the fight was over. Chippie and Naika, following Ami’s example, started grooming each other, friends again.

Sometimes Ami’s strength can lead to funny situations like when she saw a banana at the exact moment Akela saw it. The banana was near a water trough and as they both dashed to get it, Ami - as if flicking off a fly - pushed Akela into the trough. The look on Akela’s face was priceless! Ami, who looked stunned by her strength, helped Akela out of the trough and even offered the banana.