At a California zoo, a massive gorilla was captured on video as it charged into the wall of its enclosure, breaking a section of a thick glass panel in front of shocked spectators.
Denny, a 10-year-old western lowland gorilla, managed to shatter one layer of a three-layer tempered glass panel at the San Diego Zoo’s gorilla forest habitat on Saturday, as confirmed by zoo officials in a statement to The Post.
a layer of a three-layer tempered glass panel. Emily Holguin
toward the glass wall, leading to gasps and screams from onlookers. Emily Holguin
The footage, provided by CBS8, depicted him barreling towards the glass, prompting startled sounds from the audience as they exited the habitat.
Images also revealed members of the crowd examining the partially broken panel following the incident.
Denny emerged unscathed from the occurrence. He, along with the other gorilla sharing the enclosure, will receive proper care during the glass panel’s replacement.
According to a spokesperson for the San Diego Zoo, “It is typical for male gorillas, especially during adolescence, to display such behaviors. Outbursts of energy, charging, pulling objects, or running sideways are all normal for young males.”
Denny previously shared his living space with siblings, including his brother Maka, who tragically passed away in August at the age of 30 due to a cardiac event, as the zoo reported.
Dr. Erin Riley, an anthropology professor at San Diego State University, suggested that several factors may have influenced Denny’s behavior, including his grief over the loss of his brother, as reported by CBS8.
“Gorillas, especially males, often perform what we call ‘charging displays’ as a way of showing off,” Riley shared with the outlet. “However, it’s uncertain if something specifically triggered that behavior.”
Maka, who passed away in August at age 30 from a cardiac event,
according to the zoo. Emily Holguin
males weighing up to 500 pounds, according to the zoo’s site. Emily Holguin
“One thing gorillas do not appreciate is being stared at directly in the eyes, which many zoo visitors may not realize,” she added.
It’s also plausible that Denny was simply having fun, but his focus on the glass might have indicated a possible threat from the spectators, Riley speculated.
Adult western lowland gorillas are the largest primates globally, weighing up to 500 pounds, as stated on the zoo’s website.
This species is currently endangered due to habitat loss from deforestation in their native regions of Central Africa.
