Ah, that makes sense! If she looks more scared near the gorillas than the lions, it could reflect a few interesting things about human perception of animals:
Why Might Gorillas Feel More Intimidating Than Lions?
Physical Presence – Gorillas are massive, muscular, and can seem more "human-like" in their expressions and movements, making their power feel more immediate. Lions, while deadly, may seem more "predictable" as big cats.
Eye Contact & Behavior – Gorillas often stare directly at humans, which can feel confrontational. Lions might ignore or observe from a distance, seeming less personally threatening in the moment.
Cultural Imagery – Lions are often romanticized (e.g., "king of the jungle"), while gorillas are linked to raw strength (e.g., King Kong), which can amplify fear.
Proximity & Enclosure – In zoos or films, gorillas may be behind glass or barriers that make their size and strength feel closer than lions in open habitats.
Psychological Angle
Uncanny Valley Effect? Gorillas' human-like traits might trigger subconscious unease (similar to how some people fear apes more than other animals).
Sound & Sudden Movements – A gorilla’s chest-beating or vocalizations can feel more alarming than a lion’s growl, which we’re culturally conditioned to expect.
Would love to know if this is about a specific scene (like Jurassic Park tension but with gorillas?) or just a general observation! 😊
