Kifu Won’t Let Any of the Others Get Any π
If you’ve ever met Kifu, you already know—he’s got the biggest personality in the entire gorilla family! He’s strong, confident, ridiculously smart, and honestly… a little bit too greedy when it comes to food. Every single feeding time turns into a full-on comedy show, because the moment he realizes there’s food involved, Kifu transforms from calm and collected to lightning quick.
I try my best to sneak a few extra treats to Tambaby (his sweet wife) or the others, but no matter how clever I think I’m being, Kifu somehow always knows. It’s like he’s developed a sixth sense for snacks. The second I start to make a move—boom—he’s right there, watching with that mischievous glint in his eyes as if to say, “Nice try, but you’re not fooling me today!”
Poor Tambaby just sighs (yes, gorillas sigh—it’s the cutest thing ever!) and lets him win yet again. She’s so patient with him, so gentle. Even when he steals her food right from under her nose, she barely reacts. It’s a bit like watching an old married couple where one partner hogs all the popcorn during movie night. You can tell she loves him anyway. π₯Ή
The Greedy Genius
The thing about Kifu is—he’s not just greedy; he’s brilliantly greedy. There’s strategy behind everything he does. He watches everyone, anticipates where I’m going to put the food, and positions himself perfectly before anyone else even moves. It’s like he’s reading my mind.
Sometimes, I’ll try to distract him by pretending to walk one way, then quickly turn to feed someone else. You’d think it would work, right? Nope. Somehow, by the time I turn around, there he is—already waiting at the exact spot with this smug look, as if to say, “Took you long enough.”
He’s got that alpha energy, but it’s balanced by his intelligence. He’s never aggressive about it; he just knows how to get what he wants without needing to make a fuss. It’s so fascinating to watch. His confidence commands respect, not fear. You can tell the others look up to him, even when he’s being a bit of a thief.
Family Ties and Gorilla Hierarchy
Watching the way the gorillas interact is like watching a perfectly choreographed dance. Every movement, every sound has meaning. Kifu, as one of the dominant males, naturally takes charge when it comes to food and space—but it’s never random. There’s always communication happening between them.
Gorillas are such emotional, intelligent beings. They form tight-knit family groups with deep bonds—just like humans. They comfort each other, play, tease, and even sulk when they don’t get their way. Kifu might be the “boss,” but he also protects them fiercely. He’s always the first to notice if something seems off or if one of the others feels uneasy.
And then there’s Tambaby. She’s the heart of their little family. Soft, nurturing, and endlessly forgiving. Even though Kifu takes her snacks, she still sits by him, grooms him, and keeps the peace among the others. She has this incredible calming presence—like she’s the glue holding everyone together.
Growing Up with Them
I’ve known Kifu and Tambaby my whole life. I watched them grow up here at our wildlife sanctuary, each one with their own quirks and personalities. They’re more than just gorillas to me—they’re family. ❤️
Our sanctuary isn’t a zoo; it’s a rescue and rehabilitation center. Every animal that comes here has a story. Some were orphaned, some injured, and others were born in captivity with no chance of ever experiencing life in the wild. Our mission has always been to give them that chance—to prepare them, teach them, and, when they’re ready, send them home.
We are, to this day, the only people in the world who have successfully rewilded gorillas—nearly 80 now living free in the forests where they belong. π Seeing them adapt, thrive, and even start their own families in the wild is the most rewarding thing imaginable.
But Kifu and Tambaby are still here for now, part of our current group. They’ll have their time when it’s right. Every day with them is another lesson in patience, intelligence, and connection.
Lessons from a Greedy Gorilla
Kifu might make us laugh with his antics, but honestly, he teaches me so much. His greediness isn’t just about food—it’s about living with intention. He knows what he wants and doesn’t hesitate to go for it. He’s aware of every movement, every opportunity. There’s a kind of mindfulness in that—he’s fully present in every moment (even if it’s just to grab an extra banana π).
And Tambaby teaches the other half of that lesson: grace and balance. She doesn’t fight, she doesn’t get frustrated—she just is. Together, they remind me that in every family, whether human or gorilla, there’s a dance between strength and patience, between taking and giving.
The Joy in the Chaos
Feeding time with the gorillas might sound chaotic—and it definitely can be—but it’s also one of the most joyful parts of my day. Their excitement, their expressions, the little sounds they make—it’s pure life energy. Even when Kifu steals all the treats, I can’t help but laugh. It’s such a privilege to witness their personalities shine so vividly.
And honestly, that’s what makes working with them so special. Every single day is different. One moment, they’re wrestling and playing; the next, they’re all cuddled together in the shade. You start to realize that what we share with them—the emotions, the bonds, the humor—is far greater than what separates us.
My Greedy, Brilliant Friend
So yes, Kifu won’t let any of the others get any. Not a crumb, not a leaf, not a single fruit if he can help it. But somehow, we all still adore him for it. Because behind that mischievous, greedy streak is one of the most intelligent and protective gorillas I’ve ever known.
He’s cheeky, proud, and endlessly curious—a true leader in every sense. And while poor Tambaby might miss out on a snack or two, she’s got his heart. Watching them together, even in those silly, greedy moments, is such a beautiful reminder that love—even in the animal kingdom—isn’t always fair, but it’s always real. ❤️π¦
