A heartwarming encounter between a gorilla and a newborn baby at an Ohio zoo has captivated millions. The viral video, shared on TikTok, has already garnered over four million views.
In a 22-second video clip, Hannah brings her two-month-old baby Noah to the gorilla exhibit at the Columbus Zoo in Ohio, holding him up to the glass for a closer view.
The gorilla gazed intently at baby Noah, nestled in Hannah’s arms. As if acknowledging the child’s adorableness, the animal began making kissing gestures towards Noah.
Hannah and the other spectators were captivated by the incredible scene. In the background of the video, exclamations of awe could be heard from those around.
Hannah explained, “We’ve observed interactions between people and gorillas, particularly children, in the past. That’s why we chose to sit next to the glass with our two-month-old baby to observe how the gorillas would respond.”
Numerous TikTok users have expressed their delight at the charming interaction, with many highlighting the gorillas’ kindness and intelligence. Several comments also emphasized how these animals exhibit traits that make them seem more human-like than we often realize.
Mo’ana, a Western Lowland gorilla at Columbus Zoo, has been identified as a representative of this subspecies. According to the World Wildlife Fund, Western Lowland gorillas are the most abundant among all gorilla subspecies. These gorillas are native to several countries in the Congo Basin, including Cameroon, Gabon, and the Central African Republic.
The precise number of Western Lowland gorillas in the wild remains uncertain due to their preference for some of Africa’s most remote areas. These gorillas are distinguished by their brownish coats and smaller size compared to other gorilla subspecies.
These animals are typically quiet and use scents, sounds, and visual cues to communicate with one another. They are also recognized for their affectionate behavior towards their young.
The Western Lowland gorilla is critically endangered, with its population plummeting by over 60% in the past 20 to 25 years. This severe decline is largely attributed to poaching, disease, and habitat loss caused by logging activities, which have exacerbated poaching threats.
Despite being illegal, gorilla poaching continues due to demand in the commercial bushmeat trade and exotic pet markets. Each year, approximately 5% of Western Lowland gorillas are killed in Northeast Congo.
The Ebola virus has significantly impacted wildlife populations, particularly among gorillas. Research suggests that this deadly virus may have reduced the wild gorilla population by approximately one-third.
A 2018 study revealed that over 360,000 gorillas reside in the forests of Western Equatorial Africa. However, a staggering 80% of these gorillas are found in areas lacking protection. Raising awareness about their critical situation is essential to safeguard this vital and compassionate species from decline.
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