Wild mountain gorillas groom US tourist in Uganda.

Source

A troop of wild mountain gorillas recently turned a typical ecotourism encounter upside down when the animals payed a visit to a tented camp in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Video footage, now gone viral, shows baby and adult gorillas approaching U.S. tourist John J. King II, sitting with him, and even grooming him as he sits in quiet amazement—right next to a giant male silverback gorilla.

"These gorillas were interacting with me just like I was one of their own, and it happened completely naturally," King said. "Who knows why it happened?"

Local rangers were also stumped, telling King that, while baby gorillas sometimes interact with humans, the rangers had never known adult animals to take such an interest.

Mountain gorillas are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Only about 800 are thought to exist in the wild, though recent studies suggest their numbers may be growing. (Related: "'Spectacular' Gorilla Growth in Congo, Despite War.")

A creature that is three times as powerful as man has quite a gentle side, hey?

I love seeing things like this as it shows how peaceful of creatures these are, even with their size and power.

To see the innocence of nature is amazing, and to think of all the ways we abuse these creatures is disgusting.

Any thoughts?

Pred...

Typical ignorant American tourist stunt.......He truly is lucky to be alive. I think its silly when people take these kinds of risks with wild animals, but then I do have a healthy respect for them and give them their distance.

I was hoping for the big daddy to groom his hair

reply to post by predator0187


JESUS!!!

WOW I hope that guy had plenty of toilet paper on hand.
I would have given anything to see 'the duck walk' that guy did afterwards.

Pretty cool video and further proof that it IS possible to live in harmony with nature and not in direct defiance of it.

Nice video, but I can't help feel these poor creatures have been hemmed in on all sides by human presence and having humans constantly in their midst that they no longer know what is natural behavior for themselves.

Eco-tourists who want tents and trails and accommodations right in the middle of the "natural habitat" they want to film and then want to "pet" the wildlife in my opinion are the worst. Not as bad as wild game hunters who are only looking for a trophy, but not by much.

Thoughts ?

Lol yea ,, Let me tell you pal . If that was me sitting there , with a silverback right behind me . I would be sitting there just as tight as he was sitting!


He was one loud grunt away from S.H.P's .


I would be looking at my boy and saying , you better make sure you have good aim , because the second this beast makes a move your gonna put him down lol.


Actually screw that i would be like give me the gun right now . Least one in the chamber for me


There is no luvy duvy with these animals , they can turn on you in one second. Sometimes videos like this give false sense of "bondage"

they probably just ate , and were curious at this white haired creature

thanks for sharing vid . I dunno if it came down to it , if i would one on one that king kong.! They just so powerful! remember what that ape did to that ladys face

Originally posted by predator0187
Wild mountain gorillas groom US tourist in Uganda.
Any thoughts?

My first thought was... "posted last week".
Touched by a Wild Mountain Gorilla

Man Groomed By Wild Gorillas-Silverback watches Feet Away!!!!

Originally posted by predator0187

Video footage, now gone viral,

This is unfortunate. While comforting and truly cool to watch this, this video could kill lots of people.

Awwww so sweet harmonizing
nice monkey let me cuddle you
you little wild animal you I LOVE YOU MONKEY!!

Theeeeen this happens


Woman Shows Face After Chimp Attack

This guy is a moron, leave these damn monkeys be!!