An amazing new video shared online has shown a mother and baby bonding with a gorilla at a zoo in Boston, United States.
In the video, which has been watched millions of times, the Gorilla, Kiki, can be seen closely examining the baby patiently and quietly and trying to hold the baby's hand through the glass. She then pulls up her own 7-month-old baby 'Pablo' and holds it in the style of the human. Many have commented that it shows just how closely gorillas and human beings really are.
Mother, Emily Austin and husband Michael Austin spoke to The Dodo and told of their amazing encounter.
Emily said:
"When I walked into the zoo that day, I never could've imagined that we'd have this experience."
While husband Michael added:
"My wife mentioned that she felt like she could understand their bond and could see how much she cared for Pablo, since she is a mother now herself. My wife held up our son to show to Kiki, who was on the other side of the enclosure … then Kiki grabbed Pablo and put him on her leg to carry him over to us."
He went on:
"[Kiki] was talking to us with her hands. Pablo even pushed his face up to the glass at one point and they watched him, noses touching, together. My wife and I both had tears in our eyes. It was one of the most amazing experiences. Such an incredible memory to share with our son someday!"
Gorillas are the world's largest primate, and can weigh in excess of 500 lbs. Gorillas are mostly found in central Africa and in West Central Africa and are regarded as an endangered species. There are around 100,000 gorillas in the wild, but this number fell dramatically during the 20th century as a result of habitat destruction and poaching. Many nations now invest heavily in protecting the gorillas within their territory.
[Based on reporting by: Majestic Animals]
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