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A Gentler Giant Than You Think
When most people think of a silverback gorilla, they imagine the chest-beating displays of dominance seen in movies. But when you spend your days in their presence, you see a completely different side: the side that is stubborn, playful, and—as you can see from my latest photo—incredibly greedy when it comes to snacks.
In my world, "sharing is caring" doesn't quite apply. If there is an orange or a piece of fruit within reach, it belongs to him. Period.
The "He Takes Everything" Rule
Living and working alongside these incredible primates means learning their quirks. For this particular silverback, his quirk is a total lack of boundaries when it involves his stomach. Whether it's a fresh piece of fruit I’ve brought in or even just something I’m holding, he has a way of gently (but very firmly) claiming it as his own.
It’s a funny dynamic. You’re sitting there with a massive creature that could easily flip a car, yet his primary focus is whether or not you have a second kiwi hidden in your pocket. These moments of "theft" are actually vital building blocks of trust. In the wild, food is a major social currency, and the fact that he feels comfortable enough to simply take what he wants from me shows a level of comfort and hierarchy that we’ve spent years building.
Building a Bond Through Hay and Fruit
People often ask if I’m scared. The truth is, there is a profound sense of peace in these moments. Sitting in the straw, surrounded by the scent of hay and the rhythmic sound of a gorilla munching on an orange, you realize how similar we really are.
The Communication: It’s not just about the fruit; it’s about the eye contact, the soft grunts of satisfaction, and the way he leans in.
The Intelligence: You can see the wheels turning. He isn't just reacting; he’s calculating exactly how to get that next piece of fruit with the least amount of effort possible.
The Weight of Conservation
While the "fruit thief" moments make for great videos and laughs, there is a serious side to why I do what I do. Every interaction is a reminder of what we stand to lose. Gorillas are highly emotional, social, and intelligent beings. By sharing these glimpses into their personalities—their greediness, their humor, and their gentleness—I hope to bridge the gap between "wild animal" and a living soul worth protecting.
Final Thoughts
So, if you ever see me looking a little empty-handed in my photos, now you know why. I may have started the day with a basket of fruit, but in this enclosure, there’s only one boss. And as long as he keeps letting me sit in his hay and share his space, he can have all the oranges he wants.
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