It’s no secret to most of us that gorillas are one of the most intelligent animals in the world. They belong to the great ape family and through various studies and research, they are known to demonstrate various cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving, tool usage, and learning through observation and experience.
Gorillas communicate using a complex system of vocalizations, body language, and facial expressions.
They form strong social bonds, exhibit empathy, and display self-awareness. Their intelligence is evident in their ability to remember past events and locations, and they engage in play to learn and practice essential skills. Gorillas’ remarkable intelligence contributes to their complex and fascinating behavior both in the wild and in captivity.
The most intelligent gorilla
Hanabiko “Koko” was a remarkable female western lowland gorilla, she was born in 1971 at a zoo in San Francisco. She was hailed as the smartest gorilla in the world. Koko had an active vocabulary of over 1,000 signs in “Gorilla Sign Language” (GSL), as taught by her instructor and caregiver, Francine Patterson.
Interestingly, Koko’s vocabulary was equivalent to that of a three-year-old human. Unlike other similar experiments, Koko was exposed to spoken English from an early age and reportedly understood around 2,000 spoken English words in addition to the signs.
Her life and incredible learning process were well-documented in books, peer-reviewed scientific articles, and on a dedicated website. Tragically, Koko passed away in her sleep on June 19, 2018, at the Gorilla Foundation’s preserve in Woodside, California, at the age of 46.
A clever gorilla telling guests “Don’t feed me!”
Almost a decade ago in Miami Zoo, there was a special gorilla that captured the hearts of many with its remarkable intelligence. This adorable gorilla became an internet sensation when a video of its clever antics went viral.
The video showed the curious gorilla sitting while observing the fascinated tourists on the other side of the fence. Someone excitedly offered the gorilla an orange, hoping to share a treat. To everyone’s surprise, the gorilla communicated through sign language, politely declining the food, indicating that it wasn’t allowed to accept treats from visitors.
The crowd was amazed and thrilled by the gorilla’s intelligence. However, there was one persistent person who decided to test the gorilla’s willpower. Ignoring the warning, they threw a piece of orange toward the gorilla.
And guess what happened next
With lightning-fast reflexes, the gorilla caught the orange and skillfully hid it by its side. Peeking over at its handler to ensure he wasn’t watching, the clever animal began to enjoy the forbidden treat.
But as luck would have it, the handler caught them in the act. He called out, “Please don’t feed him!” The gorilla, not willing to give up its stolen snack, defiantly turned to face the handler while munching on the orange. With each piece eaten, the gorilla’s eyes sparkled mischievously.
The short, adorable video garnered over 6 million views, over hundred thousand likes, and over ten thousand comments on YouTube. People couldn’t get enough of this smart and sneaky gorilla.
On a serious note, zoo-goers shouldn’t be recklessly feeding animals
As amusing as the video was, it also served as a reminder of why zoos enforce strict no-feeding policies. Human food can be harmful to animals, as their digestive systems are not designed to handle processed foods. Additionally, some animals may have special dietary needs or restrictions for their health and well-being.
While this particular gorilla seemed to enjoy the orange, it’s essential to remember that feeding wild animals can have serious consequences. It’s best to leave the feeding to the experts who know the animals’ needs and ensure they receive proper nutrition. Let’s cherish and admire these incredible creatures from a safe distance, appreciating their intelligence and unique behaviors while respecting the rules that protect them and their habitats.
Watch the funny video below.
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