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.