Canadian Zoo Urges Public to Stop Showing Gorillas Videos on Phones
A Canadian zoo is urging visitors to refrain from showing videos or photos to gorillas, as it upsets the animals and affects their relationships within their family units. The Toronto Zoo has posted a sign on the glass of the gorilla enclosure, emphasizing the importance of the new rule for the gorilla troop’s wellbeing. This decision came after videos of gorillas becoming enthralled by mobile phone screens went viral.
Nassir, one of the gorillas at the zoo, has been especially affected by this behavior. He becomes engrossed in gadgets and phones when visitors show him videos, causing him to become distracted and lose interest in interacting with the other gorillas. The zoo’s director of wildlife conservation and welfare, Maria Franke, states that Nassir is fascinated by videos and screen time, and it would dominate his life if he had his way.
Toronto Zoo is not the only facility facing this issue. Similar videos have emerged from various other zoos, where visitors are also showing primates their phones. At the Louisville Zoo, Jelani the gorilla is famous for his obsession with visitors’ phones, particularly photos of other gorillas. He even uses a swiping motion to indicate that he wants to see additional images.
Hollie Ross, the behavioral husbandry supervisor at Toronto Zoo, expressed the desire for the gorillas to be able to exhibit natural behaviors and connect with visitors on a more authentic level. While the zoo allows gorillas to watch videos of other animals and nature documentaries, they want to control the content being shown to the primates, similar to managing the content children consume.
Other zoos, such as one in Chicago, have taken measures to prevent visitors from showing their phones to gorillas. A rope line has been installed a few feet away from the glass partition of the gorilla enclosure to discourage this behavior. Officials at the Chicago zoo noticed behavioral changes in an ape named Amare, who became so distracted by phones that another gorilla rushed him. Such distractions could potentially make the gorillas vulnerable to bullying.
Zoos, including Toronto Zoo, strive to ensure the welfare and best interests of the animals under their care. The use of mobile phones to capture videos and photos, while seemingly harmless, can negatively impact the behavior and social dynamics of gorillas. Visitors are advised to respect the guidelines set by the zoo and allow the gorillas to live their lives naturally and free from excessive digital stimulation.
As this issue gains attention, it is possible that more zoos around the world might implement similar measures regarding mobile phones and animal interactions. By prioritizing the welfare of these incredible creatures, zoos hope to foster a greater understanding and appreciation for their natural behaviors and the need to protect them in their habitats.
