Gorilla at San Diego Zoo Breaks Enclosure Glass

Summary:

SAN DIEGO, CA – A ten-year-old gorilla named Denny at the San Diego Zoo caused a stir over the weekend by breaking a glass panel at his enclosure. On Saturday, Denny shattered one of the three layers of tempered glass in the Lost Forest gorilla habitat, startling visitors who were observing the apes. According to the Zoo, this behavior is typical for young male gorillas, who often display bursts of energy and charging behaviors.

“It is common for male gorillas, especially in adolescence, to express these types of behaviors,” an official from the zoo said. “Bursts of energy, charging, dragging items, or running sideways are all natural for a young male.” Denny’s actions follow the recent death of his older brother, Maka, who passed away from a cardiac event in August. Maka had been a guiding figure for Denny and his siblings.

No injuries were reported, and Denny, along with another gorilla, will remain behind the scenes until the panel is replaced. The zoo has temporarily closed public viewing of the gorilla habitat.

Witnesses described the incident as frightening.

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