By Hassani Rashid, Tracker - Greystoke Mahale On your visit to Mahale Mountain National Park, you will see many chimpanzees. Among these is one chimp known as “Christmas”….one of the adult males of the M-community. He was born on Christmas Day.
Christmas likes to play a game whenever he sees trackers, guides, clients, or researchers. During this game he gives an impressive and funny display…dragging logs, and hitting trees and the ground. When he sees people are laughing and watching him, he continues to do this, but if he realizes that no one is watching, he stops, look at the people, and waits for them to pay attention to him. When that happens he continues his performance. When other big males are present he always stays calm until they disappear at which time he restarts his play display. His behavior is one of the most interesting things that our clients observe….and enjoy.
Christmas, picture by Dave Christensen
