Footage circulating online shows gorillas banging against a glass window inside an enclosure at a zoo that has officially been closed to the public for years. The site appears deserted at first glance: overgrown vegetation, empty visitor paths and abandoned structures. But inside one section of the grounds, the gorillas remain—behind the glass, isolated yet visible. The images reignited debate about animal welfare, especially when the facility’s status seems ambiguous.
What the Videos Show
In the recorded clips, at least one gorilla repeatedly strikes the glass pane, tapping and pressing its hand or fist against it. Sometimes it peers intently at the camera, seemingly watching the intruder or the explorer filming. The backdrop shows abandoned kiosks, decaying concrete, and the absence of usual zoo-visitor activity. The commentary accompanying the clips describes the facility as “shut years ago,” with the gorillas left behind. Many viewers assumed the animals were neglected or forgotten.
Zoo’s Clarification
In response to the uproar, the management of the zoo issued a statement clarifying the situation. Although public entry ceased when the facility closed, the gorilla troop has not been abandoned. They remain under care in the same enclosure while a new habitat is being constructed. Staff and researchers visit the colony regularly. The organisation emphasised that portrayal of the gorillas as “left to their fate” is inaccurate and emotionally misleading.
Welfare Concerns Raised
Even with official assurances, the viral nature of the footage has stirred concern among animal-welfare advocates and the public. Key concerns include:
- The gorillas are still confined to an older enclosure rather than being transferred immediately to a modern facility.
- Trespassers exploring the closed zoo compound trigger alarms and require keepers to lock down the animals for safety—disrupting their routine and rest.
- The impact of alarm systems, human intrusion and nighttime security disruptions may produce stress in the troop and affect their well-being.
Behaviour and Interpretations
Some observers interpreted the glass-banging as a distress signal or expression of frustration. But primate specialists suggest it may be more benign: gorillas often pound surfaces as part of their natural displays. Repetitive tapping, chest-thumping and window-contacts can signify curiosity, social interaction or simply play behaviour rather than despair. Facial expressions of great apes also differ enormously from human ones—what seems like sadness may just be their anatomy or approach.
The Bigger Picture: Transition and Transparency
The situation underscores broader issues in zoo transitions. When a facility closes to the public but remains home to animals, communication and transparency become crucial. Keeping the public informed about ongoing housing, upgrades and relocation plans helps avoid false assumptions of neglect. For the gorillas, the continuing stay in their current enclosure may be temporary, but the lack of visitor presence and visible activity prompts questions about their daily regimen and future living space.
What Happens Next?
According to the zoo’s update, once the new habitat is finished, the gorilla troop will be moved to the larger, modern environment—one designed to meet current standards of space, enrichment and social structure. Until then, the institution says every effort is made to maintain rigorous care: environmental enrichment, routine health monitoring and consistent keeper visits. Meanwhile, security protocols have been ramped up to prevent further trespassing and disturbance.
Reflections on Public Perception
This episode illustrates how a single viral video can shape public perception of animal welfare—even if the underlying facts are more nuanced. When viewers see large primates behind broken windows and abandoned grounds, the assumption of neglect is understandable. Yet the truth can be more complex. The critical takeaway: when facilities transition or restructure, clear communication matters. Without it, concern becomes confusion—and word-of-mouth may lead to oversight of what is and isn’t actually happening.
