An angry gorilla caused panic among zoo attendees when it rampaged through its enclosure and smashed the glass barriers. The incident took place at the San Francisco zoo on October 11, with onlookers fearing for their safety as the 400-pound gorilla named Denny appeared ready to escape.
Witnesses described the terrifying moment when the gorilla slammed into the glass with such force that it felt like an earthquake. Despite the chaos, security guards swiftly intervened to control the situation. Fortunately, the three-layered tempered safety glass only suffered damage to one layer, and Denny emerged unharmed.
Following the incident, the gorillas in the Forest habitat enclosure were relocated while repairs were made to the damaged glass. This outburst by Denny occurred shortly after the unexpected passing of his older brother Maka, a 30-year-old western lowland gorilla who died from a cardiac event in August.
Zoo officials explained that Denny’s behavior, although alarming, was not uncommon for gorillas his age. They clarified that male gorillas, especially in adolescence, often exhibit energetic and charging behaviors as a natural part of their development.
Experts like Dr. Erin Riley, a primate behavior specialist, emphasized that these “charging displays” are typical behaviors for gorillas, particularly males. Dr. Annie Petersen, an animal behavior expert, suggested that Denny’s actions might have been driven by excitement or curiosity rather than aggression.
In response to the incident, the zoo reminded visitors to exercise caution around the animals and respect their space. With western lowland gorillas being the largest primates globally, weighing up to 500 pounds and standing up to six feet tall, it is crucial to observe and appreciate these animals without provoking them.
The species faces critical endangerment in the wild due to factors like deforestation and poaching across central Africa, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.