Gorilla Charging

Why does a gorilla beat its chest and charge?

Gorilla trekking is one of Africa’s most fascinating wildlife activities. Many tourists travel to Africa with the sole purpose of encountering primates in their natural habitat. Before embarking on a gorilla trekking tour, several travelers are concerned about their safety while seeing the primates. Some people wonder if gorillas charge.

What could cause a gorilla to charge?

What do I do if a gorilla charges?

We will answer these questions in this essay, but only after some background information.

Gorillas, whether captive or wild, are undoubtedly the most gentle of the great apes. They leave in close-knit groups, led by a serene, charismatic, and kind silverback. Individual differences and disputes occur, but they are soon settled under the watchful eye of the big silverback. The females and the entire group are devoted to the silverback.

The same cannot be stated for other larger apes, such as chimps. Chimp communities frequently have more people, but with a lot of turmoil. The dominant male chimp has less authority over the group and cannot anticipate perfect devotion from all of its members. Chimps are also more violent than gorillas and have been known to attack humans (particularly children traveling alone).Gorillas, like humans and other wild creatures, can get hostile.

However, they only do so when they feel threatened or when a silverback comes from another the group tries to steal one of the females. Gorillas will first try to scare away an intruder by producing loud grunts and pulling down foliage. A silverback will even stand upright on its unique legs and pound its chest in display of power.

These actions demonstrate that it is prepared to defend itself and its family from the specific threat (people, other silverbacks, or leopards).One of the reasons gorilla trekking is feasible and popular is that wild gorillas may be tamed. Gorilla habituation is the practice of making wild gorillas comfortable in people’ company.

The process could take up to three years. During this time, researchers and experienced trackers select an appropriate gorilla group for habituation. They follow them and consistently until the group, no longer perceives them as a threat. After that, the researchers work to acquire the dominant male’s trust.

It is critical to acquire the full acceptance of the dominant silverback before other members of the group can do the same. Gorilla trekking is only possible until the habituation procedure has been completed.

Note that not all gorilla populations are habituated. When confronted with humans, the majority stay entirely wild and extremely cautious. When wild gorilla groups notice an intruder in their midst, they will usually flee. It is crucial to emphasize that habituated gorilla groups remain wild and may tax tourists for various reasons, as we will discover in the subsequent chapters.

Gorillas charging while gorilla hiking.

Why do gorillas charge?

It is vital to note that gorillas rarely charge at humans. They do this when provoked or in response to a threat. Before proceeding, it is vital to note that 99% of gorilla charges are fraudulent. A silverback will only respond aggressively in response to a threat in order to allow other members of his family to reach safety.

The silverback generally charges since he is the group’s guardian. He may be joined by other silverbacks in the group, particularly if the family is under serious threat (leopards and poachers).

Before tourists are led into the jungle to view habituated gorilla groups, the park provides a briefing.

The park Rangers and Wardens conducted a briefing. This briefing discusses gorilla trekking restrictions, members of the specific gorilla group, and their characteristics. The chief guide and park warden ensure that all participants understand what to do in the event of a charge.

When they encounter the primates, the Park Rangers will take the time to examine the group’s mood before enabling tourists to begin their own observations. Any uncomfortable behaviors, such as extended chest thumping and strange vocalizations, should be considered red flags.

Note:

To minimize exposing immature kids to gorillas, the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15. Children are less likely to observe gorilla trekking guidelines or remain calm when a gorilla rushes.

Why do gorillas charge? What makes a gorilla angry?

Gorillas rarely charge for the following reasons:

·       After the habituation process is completed, contacts with people become less common. A wild silverback. Taking over a habituated group.

·       Making abrupt and surprising moves in the presence of gorillas.

·       Wearing brightly colored clothes

·       Being too close to a group member

·       Making consistent and sustained eye contact with an individual gorilla.

·       Spending excessive time with the group

·       Encountering a wild gorilla group.

·       Trackers make loud noises near a gorilla troop.

·       Visiting the gorillas in huge groups

·       Obstructing or surrounding the group, intentionally or unintentionally.

·       Using flash cameras when photographing the group.

·       Touching a gorilla.

·       Using flash camera when photographing the group.

·       Touching a gorilla.

·       A gorilla has a horrible day.

·       A gorilla has been segregated from the pack.

·       Getting too close to a breastfeeding mother.

What makes a gorilla angry enough to pound its chest?

Let us take a closer look at each of the points mentioned above: –

Following the habituation process, contact with people become less frequent: Even after a gorilla troop has completed the habituation process, they may revert to their natural behavior if people cease visiting them frequently.

During the COVID-19 lockdowns, there was widespread concern in the tourism industry. There was concern that the sustained absence of tourists may cause the accustomed groups to return to their original Wild state.

The national parks acted quickly, sending teams of rangers to monitor all habituated gorilla populations. Visiting habituated groups on a daily basis will keep them comfortable in the presence of humans and prepare them for tourism.

A wild silverback takes over an accustomed group:

An accustomed gorilla troop may suddenly become violent if a wild silverback takes control. The new dominant but wild silverback may be aggressive toward people, requiring all members to follow suit in order to avoid annoying the new silverback.

Making quick and unexpected movements:

While a troop of gorillas may appear to be minding their business in the company of tourists, they will also be watching your every move. Any unexpected movement on your part may alarm the primates, prompting them to charge.

When studying primates, you should never make rapid movements, even if a bug penetrates your body. Please notify the Rangers of any discomfort you are experiencing so that they can assist you in silently moving away from the family to remove the insect or thorn. Never make rapid moves, especially if a gorilla approaches you. Lay low, remain, and act submissive, allowing the primate to leave on its own.

Putting on brightly colored clothes:

 Bright colors will help you stand out and catch the attention of the primates. Gorillas live in a green environment surrounded by tees, brown, and other dismal colors. Approaching them Wearing bright red, yellow, or other eye-catching colors will make you stand out and become the primary target if they decide to charge.

Even if they are in their customary upbeat mindset, they may want to investigate you through all trackers. Tourists are often asked to dress in muted hues that complement the woodland habitat in which the primates dwell.

Getting too near to another group member:

As previously stated, gorilla groups remain wild even after finishing the habituation process. You cannot get too near to a gorilla since it can be mistaken for a challenge. Tourists must always keep a 7-meter distance from the nearest gorilla, according to gorilla trekking laws. If they approach you, then softly move away while maintaining the correct distance.

Making consistent and sustained eye contact with a single gorilla:

In the regular world, lengthy and sustained eye contact signals confidence and honesty, but gorillas perceive it as a challenge. You may want to connect with them in order to comprehend their emotions, but never do so through eye contact.

Gorillas are often shy and make extremely subtle eye contact. They rarely keep eye contact with each other for long. Looking directly into the eyes of a silverback or any of the group members can anger them to the point of charging. If you happen to stare directly into the eyes of one of the primates, leave immediately.

Spending too much time with the group:

Familiarity fosters contempt, which is why tourists can only view the primates for an hour. After one hour with the primates, leave the group to avoid causing them discomfort with your continuous presence.

National parks allow only one visit to a certain gorilla troop every day to preserve their wild routines and ecology. Visiting the same group multiple times, every day may make them overly acquainted with humans, increasing the likelihood of charging.

Visiting the gorillas in huge groups:

 Only eight tourists may visit a specific group in a single day. Too many people may startle the primates and cause them to flee. Additionally, it increases there chance of charges.

Loud noises made by trackers near a gorilla group:

It is critical to keep silent while tracking or in the presence of gorillas. Avoid producing extraneous noises that may alarm the primates or make them perceive you as a threat. Gorillas are familiar with all jungle sounds and can detect unusual ones with ease.

Always follow your Guides’ advice to avoid generating a scene. When observing primates, try speaking in low tones or using sign language wherever possible. Only park rangers are authorized to communicate with the primates using vocalization. Do not make fun of or replicate gorilla sounds because you have no idea what they mean or how the primates will interpret them

Encountering a wild gorilla group:

As you travel deep into the bush in pursuit of a habituated gorilla group, you may come upon a wild troop that rarely interacts with humans. This can be an uncomfortable situation. The Park Rangers will know what to do in such situations.

To avoid the fury of the wild silverback, follow their instructions and stay at a safe distance. Obstructing or enclosing the group, whether purposefully or unintentionally: When witnessing a gorilla group in the wild, it is critical to give enough room for the gorillas to roam freely and in any direction, they choose.

If they believe they are being pursued, they may physically shove you away as they move. A worst-case the silverback charges. To avoid impeding or encircling the gorilla group, national parks limit the number of tourists allowed to visit each gorilla group per day. As previously stated, everyone must maintain a distance of 7 meters from the nearest primate.

Using flash cameras for group photos:

Never use flash cameras to photograph gorillas. The light from the camera will pique the primates’ attention or perhaps irritate them. During the briefing before entering the jungle, the Rangers will advise you on the best method to photograph the primates.

Touching a gorilla:

After some time studying a gorilla group, you may become overly comfortable and carried away to an attempt to touch one of them, particularly the newborns. Avoid doing this because the silverback will always be following your moves. Never touch a gorilla, especially if it comes extremely close to you. Remember that, while they appear to be kind and mind their own business, they are still wild creatures.

A gorilla had a rough day:

A gorilla, like a person, may just be in a foul mood or even sick. Gorillas frequently fight among themselves. Those that lose may become irritated and decide to vent their fury on you. Keep your distance from gorillas who appear sick, injured, or agitated. The Rangers excel at recognizing such persons.

A gorilla has been separated from the group:

There are Situations in which a gorilla has been briefly chased out of the pack. Some members of the group (particularly younger silverbacks) may face bullying from the dominant silverback. Young but adult females frequently engage in wrangles with older females as they compete for the attention of the silverback. When left alone, a silverback that has been kicked out of a group may become aggressive toward strangers.

Getting too close to a nursing mother:

 Female gorillas are extremely protective of their infants. Stay away from breastfeeding mothers. They are extremely aware of their surroundings and have a strong desire to safeguard their progeny. They may charge without warning or interpret some of your activities as a danger to their young ones.

How to respond if a gorilla charges

In the unlikely event that a gorilla charges, perform the following:

Maintain your composure and stay quiet.

Gorillas adore feeling superior, so lower yourself down and act subservient. Pretend nothing is going on and keep an eye on the trees. Stay cool and never try to flee.

A gorilla is faster than most humans are, and running away will just encourage it to pursue you. Remaining cool and laying low will help the primate stop considering you as a threat or challenger. Gorillas will never resume an attack if you remain calm and submissive.

Remember not to look straight in the eyes of the gorilla and never attempt to fight a gorilla like others have advised since it will only result in calamity. A fully-grown gorilla is as strong as four mature males and has extremely keen teeth. If the gorilla continues to attack, you have armed Rangers to assist you.

Groom the gorilla:

If the gorilla grabs your hands, do not try to remove them. Use the other hand to groom the gorilla. This advice may be tough to follow, but keep in mind that a gorilla is constantly hunting for new indicators that you are a threat. Grooming communicates that you are not a threat and are subservient. Submissive behavior and keeping calm always provide positive results.

Move away slowly:

Once the gorilla has calmed down, take one-step at a time. Never make a sudden movement that could be mistaken for increased hostility. Remember to listen and follow the Rangers/Guides’ directions. They have extensive expertise dealing with dangerous scenarios, such as a charging gorilla. The Guides will try to protect you if you catch the attention of any of the gorillas.
Wait for the Guides and Rangers to help.

Always know that you will be moving with armed guards. If the gorilla continues to be violent despite your efforts to remain submissive and follow all directions, anticipate the Rangers to intervene.

They will try to redirect the gorilla’s attention away from you and toward themselves. They do not want to shoot an endangered gorilla. If everything fails, they may shoot into the sky to scare away the primate. We have never heard of a Ranger/Guide shooting on the sly or a gorilla. Remember that demonstrating you are not a threat is all that a charging gorilla need. You achive  this by remaining calm and submissive.