Ok, so this gorilla isn’t really getting ready for a Donkey Kong tournament. Honestly though, can you see a gorilla with a Nintendo DS in hand and not think Donkey Kong? The gorilla came by his red DS after a visitor dropped it into his habitat.
The gorilla lives at the San Francisco Zoo. It’s interesting to me that the gorilla immediately knew how to hold the DS, even if it was off and he couldn’t figure out how to get it to work. He tried though, flipping it around a few times.
The Gorilla’s Curiosity
Gorillas are known for their intelligence and curiosity, and this incident is a perfect example of that. The fact that the gorilla was able to hold the DS correctly suggests a level of dexterity and understanding that is quite impressive. Gorillas have been observed using tools in the wild, such as sticks to gauge the depth of water or to extract insects from holes. This ability to manipulate objects is a sign of their cognitive abilities, which are often compared to those of young human children.
I really like it when the little gorilla tried to take the DS from the big one. The big gorilla resorted to the classic lift-it-out-of-little-brother’s-reach move that any big brother is familiar with. This behavior is not just amusing but also indicative of the social dynamics within gorilla groups. Dominance hierarchies are common, and older or stronger gorillas often assert their dominance in various ways, including controlling access to desirable objects or food.
The Trainer’s Clever Solution
Ultimately, the kid who dropped the DS in the enclosure got his console back after the trainer traded the gorilla an apple for it. This clever solution highlights the trainers’ understanding of the gorillas’ preferences and behaviors. Food is often used as a positive reinforcement in animal training, and in this case, the apple was a sufficient incentive for the gorilla to relinquish the DS. The thing still worked, it seems, and had a nice gorilla slobber sheen to show for its ordeal.
This incident also underscores the importance of zoo safety and visitor awareness. While it ended well, dropping objects into animal enclosures can be dangerous for both the animals and the visitors. Zoos often have strict guidelines to prevent such occurrences, but accidents can still happen. It’s a reminder for visitors to be mindful of their belongings and to respect the boundaries set by the zoo.
Check out the other photos of the gorilla here along with a short video. The video provides a fascinating glimpse into the gorilla’s interaction with the DS, capturing moments of curiosity, playfulness, and social interaction. It’s a rare and delightful look at how animals can engage with human-made objects in unexpected ways.
In conclusion, this amusing episode at the San Francisco Zoo offers more than just a laugh. It provides insight into gorilla behavior, the challenges of zoo management, and the clever problem-solving skills of both gorillas and their trainers. Whether you’re a fan of Donkey Kong or just love animals, this story is a wonderful example of the unexpected joys that can arise from a simple mistake.
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