Gorillas are one of the closest species to humans genetically, and we share many qualities with them. Gorillas are highly social, empathetic and intelligent animals.
When these human-like qualities are on display it can lead to some truly unforgettable bonding moments between people and gorillas. That was the case recently, when a gorilla saw a woman’s baby and did something truly adorable.
Hannah Pearson recently visited Ohio’s Columbus Zoo with her children, including her baby son Noah.
When the family visited the zoo’s gorilla enclosure, the newborn got the attention of one great ape, who came right up to the glass for a better view.
It was a sweet moment, as the gorilla stares with love and curiosity at the newborn. “Do you see the monkey?” Hannah asks her baby son.
But as if that wasn’t cute enough, something unexpectedly adorable happened: the gorilla appeared to give the baby a kiss through the glass.
“Gorilla kisses for baby Noah,” Hannah wrote in the caption.
In the video you can hear “aws” and laughter from the other children. Hannah posted the video online, where it went viral with over 3.8 million views.
Many people commented on the video, saying that the sweet bonding moment showed our species are more alike than we often expect.
“That’s so sweet. They’re more human [than] you think,” one comment reads.
“This is beautiful and your baby is as well,” another wrote. “She knows that’s a baby they’re just so smart. I love gorillas so much.”
“This is the most cutest thing ever.”
“They are very protective of babies.”
Watch the heartwarming video below:
It’s clear that apes have some kind of instinctual fondness for human babies. We’ve seen other videos of babies getting the affections of apes.
In one video from 2021 an orangutan mom sees a woman’s baby bump and then brings over her own baby, who kisses the woman’s belly through the glass.
In another from 2022, a zookeeper returns from maternity leave with her baby, to the delight of her gorilla friend.
What a sweet moment! It really shows how loving and intelligent gorillas are. Please share this story if you love animals! ❤️🦍
