Many people take family trips to the zoo to get away from electronics. However, some zoos have been incorporating online apps into their self-guided tours to provide information about the animals and habitats. We’re not sure why these kids had theirs on a zoo trip, but what happened when the gorilla saw the iPad will make you say, “Aweeee.”
The scene opens with two kids sitting on a ledge in front of the gorilla enclosure. One of the gorillas is visiting with them through the glass. The young boy holds the iPad to show their new friend a video. Then, the young girl takes the iPad to offer a better angle for viewing.
The gorilla is mesmerized by the iPad. He likes the interaction and hunkers down in a perfect imitation of a human teen (he’s 20) for a more extended visit. But what happens next, after the gorilla perches on its elbows, is truly incredible!
Tap, Tap, Tap … Wait … Is That Really Happening?
While watching the children tap the iPad to switch to a new video, the gorilla began tapping on the glass when he was ready for a new video! A tap or two might be a fluke or coincidence. Our happy gorilla kept these kids answering its call for new videos for quite a while! We can’t embed the video from this interaction, but you can watch it on Facebook.
This particular gorilla has developed a fondness for all things electronic. The gorilla’s name is Jelani, and he lives at the Louisville Zoo. Due to an injury at a different zoo early in his life, Jelani spent time in medical isolation with a skull fracture. To keep him occupied and engaged, volunteers gave him picture books. From there, it was an easy transition to cell phone images and videos. Jelani does have his favorites, preferring to watch gorillas and other primates over people, pets, and buildings.
We should note that most zoos prohibit showing videos to their gorillas. Louisville allows it due to the unique circumstances in Jelani’s past. Jelani has gone viral in past videos over his affinity for cell phones and tablets. If you want to help Jelani go viral again, share this with everyone you know!
You can find the source of this story’s featured image here.
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