A close encounter with a gorilla

joanlawson

Hi

Yesterday I met a very large silverback gorilla at very close quarters at Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire. He came right up to the front of the cage, so I was only inches away from him, with only the glass between us. He is a really magnificent animal, so it was wonderful to be so close to him. But as I watched him, he looked right into my eyes with such an intelligent expression, and I felt sad that he had to spend his life locked up in a zoo, even though he is in a very spacious enclosure with a group of other gorillas.

I can't make up my mind about zoos. So many animals would probably become extinct without the conservation work they do, but it's sometimes sad to see them in captivity. What do you think :?:

Joan

tjt6768

I think they do sadly have a place these days, they have some great breeding programmes etc.. And I suppose there is the educational side to them too.
To be honest I've not been to many, the last being Barcelona Zoo. Got to meet the albino gorilla, can't remember his name, utterly magnificent beast, definite intelligence behind his eyes. Sadly he's passed away now, I'm sure he lived to a good age.. Someone will be able to google the details. My hands are too sore at the mo.

Glad that you got to have the experience though Joan..

constable

That is a hard question Joan, because on the one hand, htey never have to go hungry they live to really good ages. They have their own vets to look after their health ect.

On the other hand, they will never know freedom. Experience the true wild.

I don't know, looks like they are better of in a zoo.

Karen xx

valval

went to colchester zoo and fed the elephants and giraffe s was a lovely experience they do lots of good work for all the animals i hate to see animals locked up but would they still be alive in the wild i do not think so. they have there place val

mellman01

Hi Joan I know what you mean,to really depress you look up the film silent running that's what we have waiting for us all I fear. Good film though.

jillyb1

Quick reminder to Tony , Snowflake or floccet de neige or summat ! Saw him many moons ago , gorgeous animal . As to zoos ; a lot of kids wouldn't get to see these wonderful creatures without them ; so against the principle but they do a lot in conservation terms so mixed feelings on my part too ! Jillyb

tjt6768

That's him Jilly..
Amazing creature, sired many young I believe, but he was the only albino gorrila in captivity I think..
I am glad that I got to see him I must admit.

He did enjoy scratching his bum :shock: :shock:

NinaKKang

I see several gorillas at work every day - officially we call them firemen :shock:

But I shouldn't mock them - most of them are quite intelligent and almost house trained

Nxx

joanlawson

Oi, stop monkeying around with my post :!: