The Age from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia • Page 320

TARONGA GENERATIONS DYNASTY ONE Fifi: Born 1947. The highest-ranking female. Oldest member of troop, and head of most influential family. Keeper's comment: "The matriarch a stabilising influence on the group." Ficha: Born April 1981. Approaching sexual maturity.

Playful (throws nuts to visitors). "Relies heavily on her mother: a sooky baby." DYNASTY TWO Danny: Born July 1974. Dominant male. "A bit of a wimp. He's not natural leader material." Spitter: Born July 1960.

Has infant in arms, Gombe. Supports Danny. "Good at dishing out punishment, but not good at taking it." Sacha: Born June 1980. Strong personality, often initiates group activities. Friendly with Danny.

"The ringleader of the adolescents." Sally: Born January 1985. Has protected infant status. "Likes playing with Snowy when she's brave enough to leave her mother." DYNASTY THREE Melissa: Born January 1978. "Not a highranking female, but may well become so." Mervin: Born February 1982. Has now lost protected infant status, but cautiously self-assured.

"Throws stones at other chimps, hair messy and knees and elbows grazed: a grotty little schoolboy." Montague: Born October 1985. Very friendly with Snowy. Watched over by Spitter since Mary's death. "Monte was the first chimp Spitter allowed to play with Gombe: she must trust him." DYNASTY FOUR Bessie: Born 1950. One of the adults introduced to Snowy.

"When her family members are threatened', she's a force to be reckoned with." Chiki: Born July 1970. Uncertain of her own status. "She's scatterbrained: if she were human, she'd arrange to meet you somewhere at 3 o'clock then arrive at 6 o'clock and not apologise." Cara: Born September 1981. Teases and causes fights, and is often reprimanded. "An average member of a mediocre, middle-class family." Cheena: Born August 1985.

Has protected infant status. Sometimes picked on by infants. "Food is the most important thing in her life." DYNASTY FIVE Susie: Born 1948. Diabetic. Middle-ranking adult female.

Vigorously solicits copulation, and masturbates. "Was one of the dominant females, but has never regained her status after being removed from the group for diabetes treatment." Sutu: Born December 1974. Often aloof. "Has her eye on higher position in the female hierarchy." Samantha: Born December 1983. Friendly to Snowy.

A target for power plays by older juveniles. "Struggling to find her position in the group." Shiba: Born May 1981. Was the first chimp to embrace Snowy, now his regular companion. "Attempts to dominate anyone younger, but otherwise fairly inconspicuous." DYNASTY SIX Lulu: Born 1952. Ex-circus performer.

Powerful fighter. Fascinated by aircraft. "A small animal, but she packs a hell of a punch." Lisa: Born August 1979. One of the first to befriend Snowy, copulates with him. "A devoted sister, and well-liked member." Lewis: Born December, 1985.

Has protected infant status. Very playful and acrobatic. "A future dominant male, he Snowy: November he first came, now he's a 48 FIFI (Female) BIDDY Singapore (Female) MARY Deceased (Female) BESSIE (Female) SUSIE (Female) LULU (Female) SNOWY (Male) FICHA (Female) DANNY (Male) SPITTER (Female) MELISSA (Female) MERVIN (Male) MONTE (Male) CHIKI (Female) SUTU (Female) SHIBA (Female) LISA (Female) LEWIS (Male) SACHA (Female) SALLY (Female) GOMBE (Male) CARA (Female) CHEENA (Female) SAMANTHA (Female) SHONA (Female) GOOD WEEKEND Born March 1986. we didn't bit of a 1983. Heir-apparent think all favourite." Came to to Danny.

that much Taronga in "When of him: OD.