An angry gorilla caused a commotion at a zoo by rampaging through its enclosure and smashing the glass barriers. The incident occurred at the San Francisco zoo on Saturday, October 11, with onlookers startled as the 400-pound gorilla named Denny aggressively approached the glass walls, creating a sense of panic among visitors.
Witnesses described the intense moment when Denny forcefully collided with the glass, likening it to an earthquake. Fortunately, the tempered safety glass, made up of three layers, withstood the impact despite one layer being damaged. The zoo assured that Denny was unharmed, but as a precaution, the other gorillas in the Forest habitat enclosure were temporarily relocated while the glass was being repaired.
This incident unfolded shortly after the unexpected passing of Denny’s older brother, Maka, a 30-year-old gorilla who died of a cardiac event in August. Zoo officials attributed Denny’s behavior to typical actions displayed by young male gorillas, citing that such bursts of energy and charging behaviors are common during adolescence.
Experts in primate behavior, like Dr. Erin Riley from San Diego State University, explained that charging displays are a natural behavior for gorillas, often used as a way to demonstrate power or show off. While some visitors may have felt threatened by Denny’s actions, it was likely a display of excitement or exploration rather than aggression, according to animal behavior specialist Dr. Annie Petersen.
Following the incident, the zoo emphasized the importance of respecting the animals’ space and behavior, urging visitors to be cautious and avoid provoking the gorillas. Western lowland gorillas, like Denny, are among the largest primates globally, standing up to six feet tall and weighing up to 500 pounds. These critically endangered species face threats in the wild due to deforestation and poaching in central Africa.
The zoo’s advice to visitors is to observe the animals respectfully and avoid actions that may agitate them, recognizing their strength and the need to maintain a safe distance.