Toronto Zoo’s Message: Don’t Upset the Gorillas with Phone Videos!

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We all know that spending too much time on our phones isn’t ideal – but did you know that even gorillas are affected by it?

The Toronto Zoo recently revealed that visitors showing videos and photos to the gorillas on their smartphones is causing them distress. The zoo now urges visitors to let the gorillas be gorillas and connect with them in a more natural way.

Hollie Ross, a behavioral husbandry supervisor, emphasizes the importance of allowing gorillas to be in their natural state.

When people visit the zoo, the goal is for them to observe gorillas as they would naturally behave in the wild. This cannot be achieved if the gorillas have phones shoved in their faces.

One particular gorilla named Nassir has developed a special fascination for videos. Described as a typical teenager inquisitive about screen time, Nassir clearly enjoys watching various video content.

A similar scenario occurred at the Chicago Zoo, where they had to take measures to prevent a gorilla from becoming too engrossed in visitors’ phones. This goes to show that these animals are not immune to the influence of technology.

Interestingly, the Toronto Zoo isn’t completely against gorillas watching videos. However, they insist on controlling the content to prevent upsetting or strange behavior.

It’s reminiscent of managing a child’s social media account, where parental controls are necessary to ensure a positive experience.

While the zoo acknowledges the potential educational value of videos, they kindly request that visitors keep their screens to themselves.

By refraining from showing videos and photos to the gorillas, visitors can help maintain their well-being, preserve their relationships, and prevent any behavioral disturbances within the group.

So, next time you find yourself at the zoo, remember to respect the gorillas’ need for solitude and serenity. Instead of intruding on their space with your smartphones, take joy in observing their playful, adorable, and fascinating nature.

After all, you wouldn’t appreciate someone sticking a phone in your face when you’re trying to relax – and the gorillas feel the same way.