The Alpha

Chimpanzees, our closest living relatives, are extremely intelligent and social, sharing approximately 98% of our genetic blueprint. That much I knew before I visited the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy - the only place in the whole of Kenya to see these amazing animals. However, my trip did throw up some very interesting facts about the dominant male – The Alpha.

Apparently, the hierarchical system of chimp societies can lead to a lot of disputes for territory and mating. Age is often a key factor in deciding male dominance, along with fitness, fighting skills, overall intelligence and ability to form coalitions. The alpha pictured above had several battle scars on his face, the most notable one on his forehead, all reminders that otherwise cuddly looking chimps are more than capable of violence.

​Ol Pejeta Conservancy, 2014