I stumbled across this interesting little interaction at the Los Angeles Zoo the other day. Unfortunately the glass is badly scratched up (I cloned out as much of it as I safely could), but I still like the non-verbal exchange this shot captured.
It’s a pity we don’t have more insight into what is going on in an average gorilla’s head. The body language here seems to indicate that it could be impressive.
So in a situation like this, who is the observer, and who the observed?
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January 21st, 2009 at 10:52
I watch these gorillas about 3 times a week or more now. This is Evelyn (32 years old). She was the 2nd gorilla born at LA Zoo, and is quite the star. Your picture is a wonderful capture of Evelyn … she can be seen so often doing this, and so it truly captures her. It is very well done. Thanks for sharing it.
She does interact with her visitors frequently, and, if she’s not at the window, she is usually perched where she can see visitors at both the open observation areas. Before the new exhibit was built, Evelyn used to be quite the escape artist … escaping frequently from the time she was two. But, when she’d escape, she’d do things like wander around and observe the other animals like she was a visitor. She’s very intrigued by humans. She will often blow a kiss, stick out her tongue (a sign of affection), or sign “feed me” if it is near lunch time. At times, she will even clap. With her son “Jim,” whom she raised herself, in Denver where he is the troop leader, she seems more connected to her visitors than the other troop members.
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January 21st, 2009 at 13:40
Great!! I love scenes like this one! Perfect timing
January 22nd, 2009 at 14:30
Wow what a great photo. It almost looks like she wants to use the phone to make a call! Amazing work!