Silverback gorillas are considered highly intelligent primates. While it is challenging to quantify intelligence across species, gorillas have demonstrated remarkable cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills.
However, they might still give a variety of reactions when they see something that is new to their eyes. Being in their natural habitat almost 24/7, expect silverback gorillas to react to things like a remote-controlled car or drone, a simple magic trick, and even a basic smartphone.
Most of the time, their reactions are hilarious
You might have seen videos of interactions between zoo-goers and silverback gorillas, haven’t you?
Most often than not, these videos end up becoming viral and this video will without a doubt show us why.
The silverback gorilla in this video was candidly recorded and a couple of years ago, he became a famous wild animal on the world wide web.
In the heartwarmingly hilarious incident at the Louisville Zoo in Kentucky, an inquisitive gorilla named Jelani found a connection with the outside world, thanks to a compassionate teenager and the photo album in his smartphone.
An adorable encounter between man and the wild
Jelani, a captive gorilla residing behind the glass enclosure, yearned to explore the world beyond his confined habitat. Little did he know that an enthusiastic zoo-goer was about to grant him a glimpse of what lay outside.
The YouTube video was uploaded by a channel called Paul Ross back in 2015. According to the description accompanying it, a teenage boy approached Jelani’s enclosure with a collection of photos showcasing other gorillas from his smartphone.
Intrigued by the prospect of seeing his kindred spirits, Jelani positioned himself right against the glass, focused solely on the unfolding interaction.
A gallery of his kind
As the boy displayed one photo after another, Jelani’s attention remained captivated, much like a cherished friend engrossed in viewing another friend’s vacation snapshots. The gorilla nodded appreciatively, his eyes eagerly anticipating the next image, forming a unique bond with the young visitor.
Time seemed to slip away as the boy and Jelani leaned closer to the glass, engrossed in their mutual exchange of photographs, and perhaps even capturing a few endearing selfies together. They appeared as inseparable companions, simply enjoying each other’s company.
Jelani even made hand gestures that somehow appeared like he was telling the young man to scroll and proceed to the next photo.
An online viewer also noticed it, “I love how he would do a slight gesture every time he was ready to see another picture. Every time he moved his arm, the guy changed pictures, he’d admire it for a bit or get immediately bored by it and gesture again, rinse, repeat.”
All around super wholesome interaction and such an intelligent and beautiful gorilla.
However, amidst the heartwarming scene, a touch of melancholy pervaded the air. It served as a poignant reminder that Jelani, along with countless other zoo animals, remained confined behind bars and glasses.
Knowing boundaries
Although these interactions showcased the animals’ ability to connect with humans, they also underscored the inherent longing for their rightful place in the wild.
While these encounters between zoo-goers and captive animals are undeniably adorable, they bear witness to the undeniable truth that these magnificent creatures truly belong in their natural habitats, where they can roam freely and thrive as nature intended.
Witness the beautiful encounter between the young man and the gorilla by watching the video below.
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