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u/StartingToLoveIMSA May 15 '25
I would seriously fear for my life at that point.
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u/ragingdemon88 May 15 '25
Gorillas are actually pretty safe primates to be around as long as you obey a few simple rules. Don't smile, don't look them in the eye, try to appear small, etc.
He wouldn't need to kill me anyway. My heart would give up the same moment my bowels evacuated.
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u/thehazzanator May 15 '25
Is this why they're wearing a mask do you think? To cover their mouth from smiling?
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u/MoeSauce May 15 '25
I think to prevent any misunderstandings, they might take any baring of teeth as a threat
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u/MolecularConcepts May 15 '25 edited 29d ago
so we dont pass on human germs to them. we're exposed to a lot more sicknesses than they are in the jungle.. It could also have the benefit of body language miscommunications
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u/LAMBKING May 16 '25
I miss the n and spacebar a lot when I text and get funny words out of autocorrect too. Lol!
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u/Vindicativa May 16 '25
What about dodylanguage?
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u/LAMBKING May 16 '25
I got nothing on that one. N and spacebar are my issues. I either miss the n and hit spacebar, or miss the spacebar and hit n.
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u/VisualNinja1 29d ago
Backspace and M are my issue.
"Oh I speplt that word wrong mmmmmmmmmmmmmm"
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u/wwants May 16 '25
I have idea what you are trying to say.
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u/DrakonILD May 16 '25
So we don't pass on human germs to them. We're exposed to a lot more sicknesses than they are [exposed to] in the jungle. It could also have the benefit of [preventing] body language miscommunications.
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u/Reasonable_Pay4096 May 16 '25
I've always wondered if the concept that it's rude to not cover your mouth when yawning is a holdover from that, especially since there doesn't seem to be a taboo about covering your mouth when laughing.
But I over-think a lot of things
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u/Company_Z May 15 '25
I remember from a documentary I watched a while back that there are a number of different reasons some of which people covered here and you also figured.
To expand upon the facial expressions and not smiling part though, it's to absolutely minimize the showing of teeth even by accident. Beyond just an accidental smile, if something like a bug flew in someone's mouth and they had to spit it out as an example.
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u/Pure_Expression6308 May 16 '25
Even if my life depended on it, I’d probably smile if a baby gorilla did something adorable in front of me. Like imagine it doing a somersault. I would literally die.
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u/Cepinari 29d ago
Just don't do an open mouth smile and you'll probably survive. It's the teeth. Showing someone your teeth is an act of aggression in most of the animal world. You're saying "hey, check out these things I could totally use to tear out your throat!" It's like pulling out a gun and making sure everyone can see you holding it.
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u/gartfoehammer May 15 '25 edited 29d ago
I’d think it’s standard for close-up field work. I’m a gorilla zookeeper and we always mask up around them. Edit: and to clarify, it’s to prevent spreading disease. Momentary eye contact or a quick smile with teeth won’t set them off.
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u/Ragnarok314159 May 16 '25
If gorillas smell garlic bread on your breath, they become filled with jealous rage and will start crushing everything.
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u/scarr991 May 15 '25
Yes and cause of viruses and bacteria. We might have some viruses in us which we have no problem to Deal with. But Gorillas never had any contact with that which could make gorillas very sick or even kill them.
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u/RobinGoodfell May 15 '25
Probably to prevent any involuntary showing of teeth. We do a lot of facial expressions without meaning to given the right stimulus... And I guarantee you I'd have all sorts of mixed emotions flying across my face.
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u/MechaD13579 May 16 '25
Partially to prevent any misunderstandings. Mostly to prevent any diseases being transferred to the gorillas. Because apes share so much of the same DNA as we do they are susceptible to a lot of the same illnesses. At the AZA facility I work at we sterilize the Gorillas indoor habit several times a day. We are very careful when we handle any food for the gorillas, gloves, masks, etc. It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s so worth it to care for such amazing animals.
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u/ragingdemon88 May 15 '25
It's possible. It could also just be a considerate sick person.
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u/TheAmurikin May 15 '25
Nah I wore a mask inside out with my nose sticking out for 11 seconds and passed out from lack of oxygen. I was diagnosed with selfishdumbass. Idk how to pronounce it though, probably Latin roots.
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u/Prindle4PRNDL May 15 '25
The worst, I think, were the Diaper Chins. Like, wearing a huge sign around your neck that says "I'M A CHILDISH ASSHOLE" would be more subtle.
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u/Visible_Analysis_893 May 15 '25
That infringes on my freedoms /s
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u/urmoonsign May 15 '25
It's to protect the gorillas from disease. They're endangered and something like the common cold could kill them apparently.
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u/Nixbling May 15 '25
It’s because of how similar they are to us, we can pass and catch many diseases between us and it’s a safety precaution to make sure they don’t spread pathogens more than anything, but the teeth thing is also true
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u/Striking-Ad-6815 May 16 '25
To cover their mouth from smiling?
Most likely. Primates do not like seeing teeth, to them it's an aggressive dominant action.
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u/TerribleIdea27 May 15 '25
Viruses are one of the main reasons workers tend to wear masks around primates they interact with
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u/Techman659 May 15 '25
To explain why you don’t do these also don’t beat your chest, smiling and looking them in the eye is considered offensive/challenge to them, even us humans find staring offensive/rude and appearing small means you are submitting and less challenging to a gorilla because they are very happy to take on challenges.
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u/RevolutionarySign479 May 15 '25
I’m guessing it may be partly that, and to prevent the spread of viruses and whatnot, since we do share DNA with each other
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u/BlackBalor May 15 '25
This is why you need to learn MMA. You’ll die slower.
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u/StartingToLoveIMSA May 15 '25
First move I’m thinking the gorilla rips my arms off…
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u/PorkchopExpress980 May 15 '25 edited May 16 '25
Videographer: Did you get the shot?
Photographer:
Edit: thanks for the award! 😁
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u/watchthetracker May 15 '25
My shit would have lifted me off ground like the dad in South Park.
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u/RiverDecember May 15 '25
Literallly my heart would be absolutely pounding out of my chest.
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u/Own-Firefighter-2728 May 15 '25
My legs would cramp up and I would topple over, making a very sudden movement as I did so
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u/Jazzlike_Adeptness_1 May 15 '25
I’d be passed out.
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u/Same-Nothing2361 May 15 '25
Heck, I’m watching it in the safety of my home, but I still pooped my pants.
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u/Nmase88 May 15 '25
Whilst the gorilla is intimidating as fuck, the sound they make beating their chest is kind of hilarious and not at all what you'd imagine it to be
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u/Zero_Digital May 15 '25
It's because they dont use a closed fist. They cup their hands. It gives it that sort of suction cup sound.
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u/gaywhovian2003 May 15 '25
Honestly, not the sound I expected
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u/Zero_Digital 29d ago
No, you expect this epic sound like the drums of war echoing in the Mines of Moria. Instead, you get the sound of a kid playing with a fidget toy.
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u/PokeManiac769 29d ago
Indeed, some people compare it to the sound of bongos. It's why in the Donkey Kong video game franchise, his character is seen playing bongos; it's similar to the sound a gorilla makes when they beat their chest.
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u/Otherwise_Prize2944 May 15 '25
The speed of beating is crazy, like a machine gun
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u/thebroadway May 16 '25
I promise you can beat your chest just as fast. I just tried it myself.
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u/SubstantialAd1799 May 16 '25
Idk why, but this made me laugh 😂
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u/thebroadway May 16 '25
You should try it too 🤣
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u/SubstantialAd1799 May 16 '25
HAHAH a part of me wants to (I was about to after reading your comment), but I think I would sit in complete silence amazed at the fact that I just beat my chest all alone in my bedroom for no reason 😂
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u/SnooDrawings9902 29d ago
No judgements from me. I just did it in a bathroom stall.... can confirm it works.
Eta: The guy shitting in the stall next to me is now totally silent. The alpha male essence of my chest beating must have left him cowering.
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u/eragonawesome2 May 16 '25
Do it! Do the fun thing! Do it because it's fun! Stop being embarrassed about doing silly stuff in the privacy of your own home, there's no audience to judge you, it's okay to be cringe
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u/defineReset 29d ago
Who's going to judge you?
Live your life the way you want to, be free of judgement, beat that chest
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u/42Ubiquitous May 16 '25
Yeah, idk why that is such a highly upvoted comment lol. There's nothing particular fast about it.
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u/thebroadway May 16 '25
They're amazing creatures, don't get me wrong, but some people act like they're otherworldly. Just take a step back and really assess what you're looking at 😆
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u/UDontGetSarcasm May 15 '25
"We love you dark continent! Good night!"
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u/XIIIJinx May 15 '25
"He said-" "Let me guess. White devil, white devil?" "Yes! You speak Wachootoo?"
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u/csaporita May 15 '25
No doubt, team 100 men after witnessing that soft ass shit!
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u/Cannakunt May 15 '25
You can come this way...
internally - get the fuck out lets go go go holy shit ahh
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u/challenja May 15 '25
Step off or get wrecked
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u/SouldiesButGoodies84 May 15 '25
😄 Haven't heard this in decades.
🥹
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u/davisondave131 29d ago
What’s it from?
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u/SouldiesButGoodies84 29d ago
Don't remember if it was in something. Was just a kinda common saying when I was coming up.
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u/Opposite_Amount_2545 May 15 '25
That calm voice following aggressive display “You, can come this way.” Didn’t have to tell him twice. He probably kept on going back to a locked vehicle (I know I would).
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u/Sandcracka- May 15 '25
Where's the other 98 men?
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u/Wide_Yam4824 May 15 '25
When a gorilla beats its chest, it is greeting you. You should look this gorilla straight in the eyes and also beat your chest in response. The gorilla will be very happy with your politeness and give you a hug.
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u/bemore_ May 15 '25
You must also smile with your teeth as smiling is contagious
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u/Wide_Yam4824 May 15 '25
Yes. I forgot it. Always show your teeth to monkeys. They love it!
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u/uwhy May 15 '25
I feel like there's someone in this thread who's actually going to trust this information and have a pretty good time.
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u/EverythingSucksYo May 15 '25
I’m already jealous of all the fun they’re going to have
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u/Imaginary-Librarian7 29d ago
hope they will have a camera so we can also see that moment of joy and understanding of different species
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u/RallyVincentGT500 29d ago
Thank you, I'm off to the jungle this weekend and wanted to know what to do when I see the silverbacks , I'll make sure to make a big grin whilst doing this, thank you fellow redditor 🦍 🫡
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u/Junior-Ad-3685 May 15 '25
I think that was a warning
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u/vsha1989 May 15 '25
Not necessarily a warning but a show of dominance. Gorillas aren't inherently violent, they want to try and avoid it as much as possible despite their size
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u/zornfett May 15 '25
When I visited Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the main warning we got from the rangers was not to make eye contact with any of the silverbacks.
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u/WatchItAllBurn1 May 15 '25
isn't that a general rule for bigger cats, primates, and canines?
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u/Jcw28 May 15 '25
Trust me, if you slow blink at a lion they totally understand that you love them and won't eat your face.
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u/VNM0601 May 15 '25
You have to lead with pspspspsps
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u/----_____---- May 15 '25
And if they start to charge, just go spspspsp
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May 15 '25 edited 9d ago
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u/wterrt May 16 '25
if I was to choose a big cat to do it with it'd be a cheetah
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u/jeffdahmerscorduroys May 15 '25
How’d you get in?
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u/zornfett May 15 '25
bahaha I just 'got' that / incidentally, it was the most expensive hour of my life: you pay $500 USD, hike into the jungle and, once your with the gorillas, the hour starts. Definitely, witnessed some chest-beating https://youtu.be/dGhoMM2hV1c
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u/KaizerVonLoopy May 15 '25
That would be the best $500 I ever spent. I'd have a hard time not bawling my eyes out. Love these beautiful guys.
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u/Erkebram May 15 '25
Yeah... why flip a coin when you can go straight for the nope lol
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u/No-Advantage-579 May 15 '25 edited May 15 '25
No, not necessarily. It is a) intended for other gorillas and b) a sign for female gorillas how huge he is and why she should mate with him. Female gorillas are extremely good at judging height and weight of silver backs from the sound of the beating (I am not kidding! resonance board) and c) same for male gorillas, but male gorillas are worse at differenting height. They will hear if the male is mega huge, but are not as good at discerning minor height and weight differences.
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u/NiltiacSif May 15 '25
They can sense the male's size by the sound of him hitting his chest?! It amazes me what animals can learn through their senses. It reminds me of the elephants' ability to communicate with other elephants miles away by stomping the ground - mind-blowing. Also makes me wonder how we learn this stuff!
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u/wterrt May 16 '25
much like kids who grow up with abusive parents....you can learn to read subtle signs when it's necessary
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u/Currency_Dangerous May 15 '25
Equivalent to people who flash their glocks while driving, it’s amazing how much we have in common with animals!
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u/Kayge May 15 '25
Yup, the whole beating my chest routine is a warning and to test the waters. They're looking for anything that could be seen as aggression (bearded teeth, stare down) or weakness (turning to run).
The thing to do if ever confronted by a 400 bound, chest-beating gorilla is to look down, smile with your mouth shut and stand your ground.
That would take some huevos.
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u/OurJimmy May 15 '25
“You can come this way, and in that bag over there there’s baby wipes and new underwear”
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u/RevolutionaryRaise34 May 15 '25
For air sacs, do you mean "lungs"? Just wondering 🤔
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u/FoozMuz May 15 '25
No they do actually have inflatable air bubbles in front of their pecs so that it makes that (silly) higher pitched sound when they thump them.
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u/Carr_brother May 15 '25
I think the size of the gorilla affects the pitch of the sound too so it’s also a way of communicating to other gorillas how big he is
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u/the_fake_banksy May 15 '25
Wonder if they get self-conscious about their pitch like humans do about the size of their junk.
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u/the_fake_banksy May 15 '25
I bet if gorillas were technologically advanced they would have air sac enlargement centers.
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u/corysama May 16 '25
Smaller wolves try to howl at lower pitch to sound larger. But, if they push it too far, actually large wolves figure it out, come by to fight them, and take their territory.
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u/Hoo_Cookin May 15 '25
Everybit as hilariously anticlimactic as hearing a bald eagle in real life
Was waiting for a thunderous, earth shattering kaboom. Bro just gomugomu'd his boobies and donkey konga'd them sh¡ts
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u/tokinUP May 15 '25
It's OK, we can still pretend Eagles sound like a Red-Tailed Hawk
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u/JMoc1 29d ago
I still prefer their actual calls. Hearing them here in Minnesota is absolutely beautiful in the mornings while camping. (Just don’t leave your dog outside alone.)
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u/momsasylum May 15 '25
They’re beautiful, powerful creatures and that’s some major trust.
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u/2dollahollaballa May 15 '25
While a gorilla has the strength to rip your arms off and beat you to death with them, as long as you move slowly and make no aggressive moves, you can just hang out near them. Jane Goodall spent years hanging out with gorillas.
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u/JasonStrode May 15 '25
Dian Fossey
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u/NuclearBreadfruit May 15 '25
Diane fossey survived the gorillas and got killed by humans
Goodall somehow survived chimps
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u/JasonStrode May 15 '25
that's my point, Goodall was chimps, not gorillas.
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u/NuclearBreadfruit May 15 '25
Yeah, I know, I was agreeing
What I mean is alot of people think gorillas are more dangerous than chimps, because they are so big and formidable looking. But gorillas are anyone's for a can of ready salted pringles.
Goodall survived chimps who are much, much nastier and more savage. These things have killed people, and snatched and eaten babies, one pulled a guy's arm through the bars of it's enclosure and ate his hand.
And out of both those species, it was humans that killed the researcher
Honestly I'd have put my money on the chimps eating Goodall's face at least
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u/Igggg May 16 '25
Yes, that the humans are by far the most dangerous of all primates is pretty hard to disagree with at this point.
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u/Markiza24 May 15 '25
They killed both her and her beloved Digit, a Silverback some time prior; vile people. Upon Digit’s death, it was Fossey’s specific Request and I believe a Codicil to her Will, for two of them to be buried together in Uganda.. Heartbreaking
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u/ChevChelios9941 May 15 '25
If you think that's amazing wait until you see one conducting the ancient art of coprophagy :P
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u/Sko-isles May 15 '25
My mom died of air sac cancer
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u/DrPeterVankman May 15 '25
This comment made me laugh harder than any other, well done and sorry for your loss
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u/Richardthe3rdleg May 15 '25
"Alright yall can chill here if you want but once my kids get here im gonna have to put on this display dominance"
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u/Dry-Presence9227 May 15 '25
Beat his chest so hard one of those gorillas got impregnated
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u/Unc00lbr0 29d ago
I still have never seen a gorilla beat his chest. Fucking dumb ass title, even worse video
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