Visitors at the San Diego Zoo experienced a terrifying moment on October 11, when a 10-year-old western gorilla named Denny suddenly slammed into the exhibit’s reinforced glass, cracking one of its three layers.
The zoo confirmed the incident with CBS8, stating that “Denny struck the glass barrier, damaging one layer of the triple-laminated panel.”
Footage shared by local media showed the massive gorilla leaping toward the window, startling tourists who screamed and scrambled to get away. Some guests later returned to inspect the large crack left behind after the powerful impact.
Fortunately, Denny was not injured. Zoo officials said both Denny and another gorilla in the enclosure are being monitored while the damaged glass is replaced.
According to Dr. Erin Riley, an anthropology professor at San Diego State University, Denny’s behavior may have been influenced by emotional or social factors — including grief over the death of his brother Maka, who died suddenly in August at age 30 due to cardiac arrest.
“Gorillas, especially males, often perform displays of strength,” Dr. Riley explained. “I can’t say what exactly triggered this, but one thing’s clear — gorillas dislike direct eye contact, something many visitors don’t realize.”
She added that Denny might have been “playing,” yet his focused charge toward the glass could have been a reaction to perceived threat or overstimulation from the crowd.
The western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) is the world’s largest primate species. Adult males can weigh up to 227 kilograms (500 pounds) and possess incredible strength. Despite their size, gorillas are generally gentle and social animals.
However, they are currently listed as critically endangered, primarily due to deforestation and poaching in Central Africa.
The San Diego Zoo has not yet issued an official public statement to The New York Post regarding the incident.
While no one was injured, the video of the cracked glass quickly spread across social media platforms, sparking both shock and fascination. Many viewers expressed sympathy for Denny, with some suggesting that the gorilla’s behavior reflected stress or grief rather than aggression.
Zoo staff have assured the public that visitors remain safe and that reinforced barriers are designed to prevent escapes even if the outer layers are damaged.
“The glass broke — but the bond between humans and animals should remind us how powerful, emotional, and misunderstood they can be,” said Dr. Riley.
Sources: CBS8,The New York Post
Related Articles
