YAKEI     

Over recent months, I have repeatedly come across a remarkable story:The macaque female Yakei has shaken up her colony in a wildlife reserve in southern Japan and fought her way to the top of 677 monkeys. This has never happened before, and scientists are baffled.

Among macaques, it is usually the males who fight for power. Yakei, however, ignored the fact that females are not meant to have any say in such matters. She dared to make an extraordinary leap in rank by first knocking out her own mother and then beating up the highest-ranking male leader. He subsequently relinquished his position … game over for Sanchu.

The scientists could hardly believe their eyes and carried out a test they considered relevant: they put out peanuts for the macaques and — lo and behold — Sanchu let Yakei go first.

Nine-year-old Yakei has been the queen of the colony ever since.

The story amused me, but also impressed me. How does the will arise to break rigid structures and rise above them?

Has Yakei, amid her unsuspecting macaque colony, developed something like career awareness? Or ambition? Even a desire for power?

And here is one more question for you:
Would it be inappropriate to call Yakei a strong woman?

Either way … Yakei, you fearless lady, I am deeply impressed by you.