Nervous gorilla cracks exhibit

Credit: Zoo Atlanta

The gorilla exhibit at Zoo Atlanta is closed for repairs after a nervous silver back gorilla on Sunday charged a glass panel in the viewing area and cracked it. The zoo said guests and staff were never in danger.

Zoo officials said Taz, the 20 year old gorilla, “exhibited this behavior most likely because he had undergone a routine medical exam the previous day and was concerned about the presence of veterinarians in the viewing area.”

“Gorillas often associate their veterinarians as the ones giving vaccinations and can react nervously – much like many people do with a visit to the doctor or dentist,” said Dr. Hayley Murphy, Director of Veterinary Services.

The animal management and veterinary teams quickly evacuated the Willie B. Conservation Center and brought the gorillas, including Taz, into their overnight holding area. No animals or people were injured. The exhibit is designed with several glass viewing panels and a moat barrier with electric wire between the yard and the public viewing areas.