Biographies—Ike

Ike was born on June 6, 1994 at LEMSIP, a biomedical research laboratory in New York. Like many research-bred chimpanzees, he was separated from his mother at birth and raised in a nursery setting with other infants by human caretakers. Ike bonded closely with the other infant chimps, especially Noelle and Rodney. These three learned to comfort each other by huddling together in a “train”—stomach to back—when they were frightened or under stress, as they had no mother to turn to.

Ike Copyright © 2002 Alan Li

As they have matured together at the PRC, they no longer race into “train” formation if upset. They have learned to comfort each other with more conventional means, such as outstretched arms, hugs, or mouthing behaviors. As Ike has grown into a strong young adult, his confidence has increased, too. He seems to know that as Donald (the dominant male) ages, his chances are good for claiming position as the next dominant male. His standing is further bolstered by many of the younger females who support him. It is fascinating for the PRC humans to watch as the young chimps reach adulthood and the social dynamics shift. We are anxious to see if Ike, the second oldest male, does indeed take the dominant position, or if Rodney or Cory challenge him for the top position.

Ike’s athletic build and tall stature make him an intimidating male. Weighing in at 140 pounds of pure muscle, Ike would certainly frighten even the bravest male chimp in the wild, which usually only weigh in at 90 to 100 pounds. He is often quiet and uninterested in interacting with the caretakers or other chimps, but is sometimes observed “testing” the strength of the caging by pounding on the bars with his long arms to make his presence known.