Mason was born on September 18th, 1984. His parents were Gwennie, who was also retired at Chimp Haven, and Walnut, who sired many children over the years but never made the trip to Chimp Haven. Mason was born in a research facility and had a twin (Dixson) that didn’t survive. Gwennie didn’t know how to care for her infants, so Mason was raised in a nursery with human caregivers. Mason was one of the first chimpanzees to arrive at Chimp Haven in 2005. We had originally planned to put Mason in with chimpanzees that he had known in the nursery who had some physical challenges. However, when Mason arrived and we saw what a large, handsome, and muscular male he was, our plans changed and we began to integrate Mason into the group that would be the first to experience our large wooded habitat.
I am not sure exactly when Mason became my favorite chimpanzee. I am sure it happened as we got to know each other over time. Mason was handsome, to be sure, but he also had a wonderful personality that won the hearts of many over the years.
Some of my memories of Mason include the first time the chimpanzees went into the forest – you can see him here (around 2:56) in this video walking gingerly and delicately on the forest floor for the very first time, getting mud on his knuckles and exploring his new home.
Mason’s best friends included Puddin’ and Merv. I remember walking down along the moat one day and finding Mason and Puddin’ sitting together by a large sweet gum full of green leaves, happily food barking, eating the leaves of the tree and enjoying each other’s company. After Puddin’ passed in 2009 Mason mourned the loss of his friend, often spending time alone in the forest in spots where he and Puddin’ used to sit and groom one another.
Mason’s relationship with Merv was a little more complicated. They were often described as acting like brothers. They would fight, but if they ever actually hurt each other – you could see the hurt in their eyes and hear it in their cries. It was almost as if they had an agreement to “pretend” fight for the sake of appearances in regards to the bigger, tougher boys like Conan and Magnum.
Mason also had a great sense of humor, made the happiest play faces and had one of the silliest chimpanzee smiles. You could hear Mason start food barking for special treats like trail mix from a mile away – his food barking was so infectious and enthusiastic. Mason was often described as a “kid brother” that is often pesky, but always loved.
Mason was lucky to have been cared for by many wonderful caregivers over the years. Mason himself also cared for others. He became a very caring uncle to Tracy, the youngest chimpanzee at Chimp Haven, as soon as her mother, Teresa, would let him get close to her. Mason looked so proud when Teresa would let him carry little Tracy on his back. He often played with her and he often slept curled around Tracy protectively or at least near her.
A few other things about Mason’s personality that people will remember – Mason loved the green gloves that his caregivers wore when they worked with him. He also LOVED to make noise – often scraping whatever was available across his bedroom floors during a display of his strength. Tracy and some of the others have learned this behavior from Mason, but will never be able to make the unique faces that he did!
Mason was being treated for cardiovascular disease as are so many great apes in captivity. On Saturday morning the news came that it was time to say goodbye to our dear Mason.
I counted Mason among my friends. I, as well as so many staff members, donors, and friends will miss Mason dearly. I hope he is enjoying sitting in the sun in a forest somewhere, reunited with his former group-mates, especially Teresa and Puddin’, that left this world before him. Rest in peace Mason, you will forever be in our hearts.
Amy Fultz – Chimp Haven Behavior and Education Program Manager
Click here for a photo album of photos of Mason taken over the years.
