An incredible chance encounter with a family of wild Mountain Gorillas in Uganda. Check www.wildcapecod.com/blog/cate... for more photos and background on this once in a lifetime experience.
@@fritz6462 Well there's a difference between being within a few feet's distance and literally touching. I mean think about it. These animals are MASSIVE. They are not worried about humans a few feet away from them, however, if they are within striking distance they are at a much higher risk. You would be more cautious about a man 2 feet away than a man 20 feet away, yeah? They were dangerously close to the man, even getting as close as to touch him. He needed to stay as still as possible because he didn't want them to get spooked. Far away though, the Gorillas aren't even really concerned about a man. They do dwarf us in size and power after all. They also might be accustomed to people. That does seem to be a walking trail so I wouldn't be surprised if they are pretty fine with humans around.
This is so cool. The dad gorilla obviously doesn't see the guy as a threat but is still watching his family interact with him, and I like how he nudges his kid as if saying be careful. Wow.
Kinda hard to see him as a threat when he can legit rip the man's limbs from their sockets anytime he wanted. 😅 All joking aside this was amazing to see.
The man who filmed this incredible encounter, Dr Jonathan Rossouw, happened to have introduced me to the exceptional joys of birdwatching over 35 years ago, something for which I will be eternally grateful. Thank you Jonathan!
I love how it looks like the gorillas are on a sight seeing family trip as well. Two different species exploring each other while showing each other respect.
I think part of what I love here isn’t just the interaction itself, it’s how appreciative these guys are to have had a part in it. They just seem so respectful and joyous to observe.
The most remarkable encounter I’ve ever seen. Just a demonstration of how gentle and astonishing gorillas are. Everyone who sees this video to do everything they can to protect these beautiful animals.
This is so cool. I love the expression of wonder and joy on the guy's face and how curious the gorillas are, especially the babies. What an incredible experience between two close evolutionary cousins.
It's like daddy gorilla is saying 'Kids, stop it. Leave the human alone, he's scared. Now okay, have a bit of fun. Yes, that's enough, we gotta move on. Say goodbye to the human' :)
@morbitz cool a silverback is stronger than 6 men combined. They could easily kill you if they want to… I would be terrified. I would be peeing my pants.
What an amazing experience! Humans showing respect for these BEAUTIFUL creatures shows how WONDERFUL these AMAZING animals are. Not hostile but gentle and social.❤️❤️❤️
@@trevorprice7366 He was waiting for a teeth flash. In animals' language, showing your teeth with you mouth wide open (like what human consider grin) means being aggressive. This guy probably knows what he's doing, that's why he doesn't look the animals in their eyes or show his teeth toward them, just keep your face away and you will be fine.
@Picolas Cage that is far from 50% bruh like, at maximum 5% of the world population, fortunately most men still have their heads about em when it comes to being a father, but cases like that don't stop existing sadly, just like vicious opportunist mothers
You mean, before, right?? If a silverback busts ass in the wild, and nobody is around to sense it with the earstrils &/or nostrils, it never happened...come at me #safety
Simply amazing, I have watched this a few times before, and I’m still lost for words. Definitely not sure how anyone can just sit there so still, also think how close the cameraman was too, compliments to him too. Amazing piece of film.
Yeah, I liked the fact that the kids took turns to investigate him, all from the same position and in the same manner. And when the last one took too long, he just stood up and walked away, signalling everyone "that's it, kiddos, let's go somewhere else" like a family dad dragging his children through a zoo wanting to rush it because he is bored and looks forward to the BBQ after
Silverbacks are wired very specifically to fight other silverbacks trying to steal their harem of females: humans are obviously large apes, which is disturbing and a potential threat to them, but if you stare at the ground and chew on grass it's also easy for them to assume you are some kind of gross hairless beta ape outcast that's trying to join their pod, which is a common thing with mountain gorillas and not a threat at all.
My guess is that the silverback has seen many humans and all of the humans have been harmless. It’s easy to forget that the silverback is letting his family interact with TWO humans. The little nudge dad gave his toddler was probably just to say “It’s OK, but stay behind him”. The silverback clearly didn’t consider the humans as rivals, and he was OK with his family greeting the human with some friendly grooming.
@@daseapickleofjustice7231 Yah, I thought similiarly. Like maybe the grey hair is a sign of older age/experience in their community and, consequently, is automatic 'acceptance' and not to be feared.
@@russbus3930 Th boss Gorilla, the one on his right, is actually called silverback because of his( suprise) silver back hair indicating his age and wisdom. Younger Gorilla males ( blackbacks) have to earn that rank through age.
I love how near the end the Silverback gives him a side glance like "bro do you even lift?" Then blows a fart in his face and leaves. That's a true boss.
When I was in NY. First time I saw the gorillas in Bronx Zoo. When ever I get a chance I go to the zoo & spent hours just to observe their Life style. But it's a greatest Experience you have Sir once in a life time. Nature so close. WAO. ❤
Note: The reason why he keeps looking down and away is because making eye contact with a male silverback gorilla is a form of challenge for them, meaning we wouldn't be seeing this video if that happened
Making eye contact is indeed often percieved as a provocation by male gorillas, but usually they won't instantly maul you to death because of it, just go into "combat mode" (which is enough to scare the shit out of most humans), preparing for a challenge. This was dangerous because the male had babies with him, and as virtually all animals they're very protective. Staring the silverback down could very easily result in getting bashed to a pulp there. The man knew what to do - make yourself small, be quiet, look away and act disinterested.
The perfect video to show that gorillas really aren't that scary as long as you know the proper way to behave and treat Silverbacks with respect. Loved this💙
I think the silverback is guiding the younger gorilla away from potential danger. He is ok with investigating the human from the back, but doesn't want the little one to be in front of him, were the human could potentially grab and bite him.
@@jeanettecook1088 You didn't ask and it isn't the same but a porcupine, it was fookin giant, came up to me, sniffed my leg and then waddled off. Just thought I'd share but it was adorable lol
@@quill7889 yes porkies can be quite large. One came into my barn one day, injured, and I let it stay. I couldn't treat its injuries for obvious reasons... but it died a couple of days later. It ate about one half of a support beam while it was there...I fixed that. At least it had a quiet place for a little while. . I think encounters with wild animals are all interesting...
Gorillas in general are chill. Just don't provoke them and you'll be fine. Of course, it being like 5x your weight, caution/fear is still warranted. Its chimps that are psyhcos.
yep Gorillas simply want to be left alone most of the time, but if for whatever reason they are Curious about you, the absolute best thing to do according to experts is to sit down, look at the ground and be VERY meek and still, dont yell or scream, dont run or jump... become the beta, and they will look at you like they did this guy and then move on. Silverbacks only feel challenged when you look them in the face or act threatening.... then they tear you in half.
No ones saying how professionally this was handled by the man, he sat completely still for the entire time and when the head of the group stood in front of him he was hiding his eyes to avoid eye contact. A+
If I was in that situation, I would be equal parts amazed and terrified. Gorillas are fascinating animals and are much gentler and more human than we used to believe. But at the same time, they are big and strong, and so I'd do all that I could to not upset them.
Love the way how the dad was making them behave, making them sit, when they got too intrusive, he'd pull them back, the little snort he gave to the kids was like, "Settle down". It was a great family moment!
Actually gorillas are very friendly, he wouldn't attack him if he gave him a one look. It's pretty simple that you don't harass his kids or stare in his eyes if you wanna them to be nice.
I would have definitely wet myself or worse. What a fabulous experience. No one would have believed it had it not been filmed. Thank you for sharing your beautiful experience.
Really puts into perspective what "behaving like an animal" means, they were more respectful than any toddler i've ever seen, and the dad making sure you didn't touch them and THEY don't either
Those were undoubtedly experts, sitting down, head down,avoiding eye contact as otherwise for the male gorilla it could mean a challenge and things can go really really bad, especially with his family around! This si something everyone should learn from! Well done and thank you
