A dramatic incident at the San Diego Zoo on Saturday, October 11, shocked visitors when Denny, a 10-year-old western lowland gorilla, collided forcefully with the glass wall of his enclosure, leaving behind a significant crack. The incident occurred during a busy afternoon at the zoo, leaving onlookers likening the experience to an earthquake.
Footage captured by Emily Houglin highlights the moment Denny charged at the tempered glass panel, which forms part of a three-layered structure in the gorilla habitat. The impact was startling, prompting gasps and yelps from nearby visitors. Fortunately, both Denny and another gorilla present at the time emerged unscathed, as confirmed by zoo officials who stated that both animals would be kept behind the scenes until repairs to the glass panel were complete.
Witness Jackie Doubler described the scene, saying it was “pretty scary” and praised the zoo’s staff for their swift response to the situation. Another observer, Katya Sutil, noted that Denny, in a display of energy typical of male gorillas during their adolescent phase, “took a running start, jumped and launched into the glass,” ultimately estimating the crack’s length to be around six feet. She recounted her shock as she fell back when Denny made contact, making direct eye contact with the gorilla moments later.
In light of the incident, the San Diego Zoo closed the gorilla habitat for visitor safety. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance assured visitors that such behavior is not unusual for young male gorillas as they often exhibit bursts of energy and playful antics. They are known for their physicality, and this incident underscores the need for robust enclosures for both animal and visitor safety.
Western lowland gorillas, noted for being the smallest of the four gorilla subspecies, are unfortunately classified as endangered. These majestic primates can reach heights of six feet and weigh upwards of 400 pounds, with their populations residing in various countries across Central Africa, including Cameroon and the Republic of Congo.
While the incident may have been unsettling for onlookers, it serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of wildlife and the importance of ensuring the safety of both animals and visitors in animal care facilities.