Ferdinand’s route to avoid the other males, from the point of attack on October 1, 2016 (X), through each place he slept from that day to October 6, marked by dates, in red. Meanwhile, the males and others of the group (in green) moved south after the attack, but then on 2nd and 3rd came north and passed below him twice on the downhill side. On 2nd he was particularly fearful as they drew nearer, each time he heard them calling he forced himself to run uphill despite his wounds. After October 3 they dispersed more to the south and did not pose any threat to him.
Fudge Fights Back
When Ferdinand arrived, displaying confidently into the group, the males all gave pant-hoots (chimpanzee call) and alarm barks, and he quickly ran up a tree for his own safety. Fudge moved up after him, and after a moment’s hesitation (perhaps further aroused by the vocal support from below), Fudge attacked him on the branch. On this branch, they grasped each other, holding in this struggle and biting. Fudge’s brother Fundi also joined the attack, as did their mother Fanni, Ferdinand’s own sister! Her intervention seemed confused, however, perhaps a conflict of loyalty between supporting her brother or her son.
Males below were displaying and calling loudly as the battle continued. Eventually, Fudge and Fundi joined the others on the ground, leaving Ferdinand lying on the branch above bleeding heavily. When Ferdinand started to climb down to escape, the other males rushed him and he went back up to the safety of the tree. Males awaiting below moved to the side to create what Jane’s field assistants interpreted as a “trap,” allowing for them to attack him more easily working together. By staying in the tree, Ferdinand limited how many chimps could attack him on the branch, saving himself from further injury.
