ABSTRACT
The first of a 2-part series, I utilize my experience working in a sanctuary for abused chimpanzees as a microcosm for examining the specific and unique impact of maternal loss and social isolation during childhood. After reviewing the extant psychoanalytic literature, I discuss the nature of the damage to the developing structure of the child's self caused by such emotional abuse, which manifests itself in both specific behavioral symptoms and chronic difficulties with affect regulation and interpersonal relationships. I then describe my work with abused chimpanzees, explore how their early childhood experiences of separation from mother and social isolation affected their development, and discuss the relevance of these findings to emotionally abused and neglected children.
This study would not have been possible without the MONA staff's dedication to both rescuing and rehabilitating abused chimpanzees and disseminating knowledge about them to the general public. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with them. I would also like to dedicate this article to Pancho, who was shot and killed by the Catalan police on October 20, 2007. According to Valsera, many witnesses testified that Pancho was calm and displayed no aggression after he and two other males escaped from MONA. However, despite pleas from two MONA volunteers and others in the area, the police chose to shoot him (C. Valsera, personal communication, January 2008). Valsera says “We are also sickened by the Spanish media who have reported that Pancho exhibited aggressive behavior, which is completely erroneous. We will miss our friend and are shocked and disappointed that his life was taken so prematurely and unnecessarily” (Primates, November 2007).