OLDER BROTHER: SYNONYM OF PROTECTION!

OLDER BROTHER: SYNONYM OF PROTECTION

 

SOROCABA SANCTUARY

 

What is the hole of the eldest brother? The immediate answer that the majority of people would say is protection, isn't it? And this kind of protection, in a clear sign of altruism, was witnessed by us in Luiza's family.

 

In one of the walls of the main enclosure there is a small hole, far from the soil, where bumblebees began to do a nest. Luiza, 6 years old, audacious as always, noticed it and started to disturb them, throwing her fabrics or jumping and beating it with her own hands, always avoiding and running away quickly to protect herself not to get a sting. However, there was a moment that the fun moment turned to be a concern for Luiza, because she noticed that her brother Pedrinho, 9 months old, was following her, as he saw she was having fun. He had no idea of the imminent danger, and got closer to the swarm. One of the bumblebees landed on his back and as soon as Luiza saw it she ran towards him, slapping the insect, which fell on the floor and was crushed by her. Scared, Pedrinho turned back running towards his mother and was escorted by Luiza, who walked behind him until he reached Ditty, who calmly ate her fruits and observed everything by far. With one more example, it is unacceptable not to admit that altruism happens between chimpanzees. It was very clear the risk taken by Luiza to defend her brother's life, as long as it could have cost her some bites.

 

What is the argument now of those who say we are wrong, that we "give the chimpanzees human qualities"?  Once more it is clear that some concepts and prejudices need to be changed. And one of them is the following: recognize that we are much closer to chimpanzees than we could imagine. Then, nothing is more fair and correct than our need to admit the presence of their characteristics in us, and vice-versa.

 

Msc. Luiz Fernando Leal Padulla
Biologist