San Diego, California — Visitors at the San Diego Zoo were left stunned after a massive western lowland gorilla suddenly charged at the glass wall of its enclosure, shattering one of the tempered glass panels during what experts say was a “display of dominance.”
The incident, captured on video by guests, shows the 10-year-old gorilla named Denny charging at full speed toward the viewing area before smashing into the barrier with incredible force. The sound of the impact sent onlookers scrambling in shock and disbelief.
Fortunately, the gorilla only managed to crack the inner layer of the three-layer glass panel, leaving visitors completely unharmed.
Gorilla’s Outburst Stuns Onlookers
Witnesses described the moment as both thrilling and terrifying, as Denny’s sudden move appeared to come out of nowhere. Some visitors reportedly screamed as the glass fractured, though the barrier held firm against the powerful blow.
“Gorillas, particularly males, will often do what we call ‘charging displays,’ as a kind of act of showing off,” explained Dr. Erin Riley, an anthropology professor at San Diego State University.
Dr. Riley said that while such behavior can sometimes be a form of play, it often serves as a warning or display of dominance in response to stress, attention, or direct eye contact from humans.
“One of the things gorillas actually don’t like is to be stared at directly in the eyes,” she said. “That’s not something zoo visitors always understand.”
Experts Say the Gorilla May Have Been Mourning
According to zoo staff, Denny was not injured in the incident, though the same could not be said for the glass, which had to be replaced after the outburst.
Dr. Riley added that Denny may still be coping with the loss of his sibling, Maka, who passed away at the age of 30 in August. Emotional changes related to grief could be influencing his recent behavior.
“Given that it was directed toward the window — where the visitors are — I don’t know if they were feeling threatened, if there were a lot of people there at the time that made Denny feel a little bit overwhelmed,” Dr. Riley said.
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Understanding Gorilla Behavior
Western lowland gorillas are known for their intelligence and emotional depth, often mirroring human expressions of grief, excitement, or stress. Male gorillas, especially those reaching adulthood, can exhibit “charging” behaviors as a way to assert dominance or release tension.
Zoo experts emphasize that such incidents are rare and that the multi-layered glass is designed to protect both animals and guests even in extreme circumstances.
“It might look frightening,” one visitor commented, “but you can tell Denny wasn’t trying to hurt anyone — he was just reacting.”
Gorillas Remain Endangered in the Wild
The San Diego Zoo notes that western lowland gorillas — which can reach up to 6 feet in height and weigh over 500 pounds — are the largest primates in the world. Sadly, they remain critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching across central Africa.
The zoo continues to participate in conservation and research programs to protect the species and educate the public about their complex social structures and emotional intelligence.
“They’re strong, sensitive, and incredibly smart,” Dr. Riley said. “Moments like these remind us of how close they are to us — and how much they need our protection.”
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