Gorillas share around 98% of their DNA with humans, and are considered our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. Their social structures, nurturing behaviours, and family bonds are often similar to human actions, this behaviour is also proof of their intelligence and emotional depth.
At Nanning Zoo in Guangxi recently, a visitor took a video of a gorilla acting surprisingly human-like as it smoked a cigarette butt left on the ground. The video showed the gorilla retrieving the cigarette butt from the ground, taking a hard puff, and exhaling the smoke before finishing off the cigarette butt with skill. The behavior of the gorilla had viewers entertained and surprised at how human-like the gorilla acted but this has raised ethical questions about animal security as well.
Following the viral video, Nanning Zoo officials said they knew about the incident and were investigating to see if a visitor had intentionally discarded the cigarette butt into the enclosure. "We are looking into the matter and any further updates will need to be confirmed by higher authorities," said a zoo spokesperson.
The zoo highlighted its commitment to strengthening management efforts and raising visitor awareness about animal protection. "We urge guests to behave responsibly during their visits and refrain from feeding or throwing objects at animals to prevent potential harm," the spokesperson added according to the newsFlare.
This incident is not the first time the gorilla has caught the public eye for its unusual behaviour. Previously, it made headlines for frequently throwing turf and mud at visitors, earning the nickname "Throwing Ape" among internet users. These behaviours, while seemingly amusing, highlight the problematic interactions between zoo animals and human visitors.
Gorillas are intelligent creatures with complex emotional and social needs. The act of smoking, which looks as if the ape practices it, poses serious health risks to it, similar to those faced by humans.
This also raises questions about the responsibilities of zoos in protecting the physical and mental well-being of their animals. Ensuring that enclosures are free from harmful objects and that visitors adhere to strict guidelines is crucial in preventing such incidents.
This event also highlights the need for increased visitor education and animal responsibility about the impact of their actions on animals. Zoos must prioritize creating environments where animals can show natural behaviours without interference from human activities. Visitors need to understand that their behaviour can have lasting effects on the animals and as they come to see them, they should act with respect and consideration.