Monkey Wars

High up in Ethiopia’s Simien mountains, Murdoch, a giant, intimidating male gelada has fought his way to the top of a 200 strong troop. He stands as tall as a human, with a wild flowing coat and a scarlet chest patch, piercing eyes and a bright pink top lip. He’s an impressive primate by anyone’s standards and his mannerisms are very human. The nervous glances over his shoulder to keep tabs on his challengers. His death stare. This could be us, on the sports field, in a corporate work-place… even at home.

Murdoch has become a victim of powerful female manipulation. At the moment his position is relatively secure but only because they let him keep it. He’s constantly fighting younger males for top spot but his six favourite females, watching from the hill, are beginning to doubt him. He’s getting old, and they need to be sure he still has the ability to lead.

Whenever he shows weakness, they pick an attractive challenger, and encourage a fight. It’s a test, to check how good Murdoch’s genetics really are and to see how he’s moving in his old age. He won over the troop seven years ago, but these girls won’t let him rest on his laurels. It’s an exhausting life, but this is what dominant geladas have to deal with.