In the Shadow of Man

Goodall recalls how Gilka, the four-year-old female offspring of Olly, experienced a difficult period in which she was cut off from her old friends Fifi and Flint. Goodall claims that her immense boredom of being isolated with her mother, who was trying to wean her and discouraged closeness, resulted in “a very strange friendship indeed” (163). Gilka developed a close friendship with young female baboon Goblina. Young chimps and baboons commonly engage in wild physical play together, which often turns into aggression. However, Gilka and Goblina’s friendship was unusually gentle. Goodall was surprised by how much they enjoyed each other’s company, and the fact that the friendship lasted for a year. Eventually Olly weaned Gilka, who began building her own nests at night as well.

Goodall reiterates the adult female Flo’s positive and nurturing relationship with her offspring, who grew into spirited, confident, and adventurous chimps. She contrasts this with Marina, who had a “cold disposition” and her offspring Miff (167). Marina showed Miff affection only during grooming and at other times didn’t share food or play with her. Goodall even observed Marina pushing Miff away from a particularly good termite mound and then claiming Miff’s new grass tool for herself as well.