It’s “winter” in Kenya, or what we call the “cold months”. We have been hit by a tough cold and flu virus and the chimps have not escaped it. This particular virus strain has left everyone sneezing, coughing and sniffling for days on end. Just like humans, the chimpanzees have different coping strategies to ease the symptoms, some of which are pretty amusing.

Oscar’s situation is the funniest to me. Our fearless alpha male cannot handle having a cold and has been completely out of action for almost a week. He has looked so helpless and frail, curled up by himself for most of the time. For a chimp that is used to wielding power, I am sure he cannot understand why he is so tired. I bet he was feeling sorry for himself more than anything. I saw him try to hit Ezo only to catch a sneezing fit after which he walked to a corner to be by himself. He is doing better now and I’m sure he will be back to his old dominant-self in no time.

Mwanzo, however, is handling being sick very well. She has not let having a cold disrupt her from being a great mother. She has been especially attentive to Ajabu who was really affected by the virus. Although she hasn’t breastfeed Ajabu since the baby Angela came, Mwanzo now lets her suckle when Angela is asleep. Though Mwanzo may be mean and aggressive to other chimps she is a great mother with a really strong bond with her daughters.

Another interesting thing we’ve noted is that some of the chimpanzees have created handkerchiefs from leaves. Just more proof that these animals are really smart!

All the chimpanzees are on extra oranges and vegetables to help them fight the virus and I know within a short time they will all be back to their normal mischievous selves.