Mama was broadly built and could be physically intimidating but de Waal noted she also had a sense of humour. She connected easily with all chimps, be they male or female, and developed a support network like no other in the colony. Mama was the top-ranking female of the troop, the alpha female – a position she held for over forty years, until her death. De Waal believes her status came from her unique charisma and social skills.
