Gorilla Charging – What makes a Gorilla beat its chest and charge?

Gorilla trekking is one of the most exciting wildlife activities in Africa. Many travelers go to Africa with the sole intention of having a close encounter with the primates in the wild. Before embarking on a gorilla trekking trip, some of the travelers worry about their safety while observing the primates. They may ask themselves the following questions like: –

• Do gorillas charge?
• What can make a gorilla charge?
• What should I do when a gorilla charges?

We will be answering these questions in this article but after some background information.

Whether in captivity or in the wild, Gorillas are arguably the most peaceful of the great apes. They leave in close knit groups lead by a calm, charismatic and benevolent silverback. Differences and confrontations between individuals occur but are quickly resolved under the watchful eyes of the mighty silverback. The females and all group members are loyal to the silverback. The same cannot be said of other larger apes like Chimpanzees. Chimp communities often have more individuals but with a lot of drama. The dominant male chimp has less control of the group and cannot expect complete loyalty from each member of the group. Chimps are also more aggressive when compared to gorillas and have been known to attack humans (especially children moving alone).

Like humans or other wild animals, gorillas do get aggressive. However, they do so only when they feel threatened or when a silverback from another group attempts to steal one of the females. Gorillas will first attempt to warn off an intruder by making loud grunts and tearing down vegetation. A silverback will even stand upright on its rare legs and pound its chest as a show of power. These actions show that it is ready to defend itself and his family against the particular threat (humans, other silverbacks, or leopards).

One of the reasons why gorilla trekking is possible and so popular is because wild gorillas can be habituated. Gorilla habituation is a process of making wild gorillas comfortable with humans in their presence. The process can take up to 3 years. During this time, researchers and experienced trackers identify a suitable gorilla group for habituation. They follow them gradually and consistently until the group ceases to see them as a threat. Once that is done, the researchers focus on gaining the trust of the dominant male. It is important to gain the complete acceptance of the dominant silverback in order for other members of the group to do the same. Gorilla Trekking is only possible after completion of the habituation process.

Note: Not all gorilla groups are habituated. Most remain completely wild and very cautious when they encounter humans. Wild gorilla groups will generally move away once they spot any intruder in their midst. It is important to note that habituated gorilla groups remain wild and may charge at tourists for one reason or another as we will see in the following chapters.

Gorillas charging during gorilla trekking

Why do gorillas charge? It is important to emphasize that gorillas rarely charge at humans. They do so if provoked or as a form of defense if threatened. Before divulging more, it is important to state that 99% of gorilla charges are fake. A silverback only acts aggressive towards a threat to give time for other members of his family to seek safety. The silverback is the one that usually charges because he is the protector of the group. He may be joined by other silverbacks in the group especially when there is a grave threat to the family (leopards and poachers).

Before tourists are taken into the forest to observe habituated gorilla groups, they undergo a briefing by the park Rangers and Wardens. This briefing covers topics like the gorilla trekking rules, members of the particular gorilla group and their character. The chief Guide and park warden ensure that all participants know what to do in case of charging. Once they encounter the primates, the Park Rangers will take time to observe the mood of the group members before allowing tourists to begin their own observations. Any uncomfortable behaviors such as prolonged beating of the chest and unusual vocalizations can be a red flag.

Note: The minimum age for gorilla trekking is set to 15 in order to avoid exposing immature minors to gorillas. Children are less likely to follow the gorilla trekking rules or remain calm when a gorilla charges.

Why do gorillas charge? What makes a gorilla angry?

In the rare case that gorillas charge, they do so for the following reasons: –

1. Less frequent encounters with humans after completing the habituation process.
2. A wild silverback taking over a habituated group
3. Making sudden and unexpected movements while in the presence of gorillas.
4. Putting on clothes with bright colors
5. Getting too close to a group member
6. Making constant and sustained eye contact with an individual gorilla
7. Spending too much time with the group
8. Encountering a wild gorilla group
9. Loud noise by trackers while close to a gorilla group
10. Visiting the gorilla in large numbers
11. Obstructing or surrounding the group whether intentionally or not
12. Using flash cameras when taking photos of the group
13. Touching a gorilla
14. A gorilla having a bad day
15. A gorilla that has been isolated from the group
16. Getting too close to a breast feeding mother

What makes a gorilla angry and beat its chest?

Let’s now discuss each of the above points in more detail: –

Less frequent encounters with humans after completing the habituation process: Even after a gorilla group has completed the habituation process, they are may get back to their wild state if humans stop visiting them frequently. There was a main worry within the tourism fraternity during the lockdowns due to COVID-19. There was a worry that continued absence of tourists would make the habituated groups to get back to their original wild state. The national parks acted fast and have been sending teams of rangers to monitor all the habituated gorilla groups. Visiting the habituated groups on a daily basis will ensure that they remain comfortable with humans in their presence and will be ready for tourism.

A wild silverback taking over a habituated group: A habituated gorilla group could suddenly become aggressive if a wild silverback takes over. The new dominant but wild silverback may be aggressive towards humans and this will force all members to follow suit to avoid annoying the new silverback.

Making sudden and unexpected movements:  Whereas a group of gorillas may appear to be minding their business even when in the presence of tourists, they will also be watching your every move. Any unexpected movement on your part may alert the primates and cause them to charge. You should therefore never make sudden movements even when an insect enters your body while observing the primates. Let the Rangers know of any discomfort you have so that they can help you quietly move away from the family to remove the insect or thorn. Never make sudden movements even when one of the gorillas approaches you. Lay low, keep still, act submissive and let the primate go away on its own.

Putting on clothes with bright colors:  Bright colors will make you stand out and attract the attention of the primates. Gorillas live in a green environment surrounded by tees, brown and generally dull colors. Approaching them in bright red, yellow or other striking colors will make you stand out and be the first target in case they decide to charge. Even if they are in their usual happy mood, they may want to probe you out of all trackers. Tourists are generally encouraged to put on dull colors which blend with the forest environment in which the primates live.

Getting too close to a group member: As we noted earlier, gorilla groups remain wild even after completing the habituation process. You cannot get too close to a gorilla because it may be mistaken for a challenge. According to the gorilla trekking rules, tourists are required to maintain a distance of 7 meters away from the nearest gorilla at all times. If they come close to you, gently move away and maintain the recommended distance.

Making constant and sustained eye contact with an individual gorilla: In the normal world, a long and sustained eye contact helps communicates confidence and honesty but gorillas will only see it as a challenge. You may want to connect with them in order to understand how they feel but never do that through eye contact. Gorillas are generally shy and very subtle when making eye contact. They rarely maintain eye contact with each other for long. Looking directly into the eyes of a silverback or any of the group members may irritate them to a point of charging. If you accidently look directly into the eyes of one of the primates look away immediately.

Spending too much time with the group: Familiarity breeds contempt and it is why tourists are only allowed to observe the primates for one hour. After your one hour with the primates has elapsed, leave the group to avoid making them uncomfortable with your continued presence. National Parks allow only one visit to a particular gorilla group in a day to allow them retain their wild routines and nature. Visiting the same group several times a day may make them too familiar with humans and increase the possibility of charging.

Visiting the gorillas in large numbers: Only 8 tourists may visit a particular group in a day. Too many people may scare the primates and force them to retreat. It also increases the possibility of charging.

Loud noise by trackers while close to a gorilla group: While tracking or in the presence of gorillas, it is important to remain quiet. Avoid making unnecessary noise that would scare away the primates or make them see you as a threat. Gorillas know all the different jungle sounds and will easily pick out strange noises. Always follow instructions from your Guides to avoid causing a scene. Try to speak in low tones when observing the primates or use sign language whenever possible. Only park rangers are allowed to communicate with the primates through vocalization. Do not attempt to make fun or imitate gorilla sounds because you don’t know what they mean or how they will be interpreted by the primates.

Encountering a wild gorilla group: As you head deep into the forest in search of a habituated gorilla group, there is a possibility of meeting a wild group that rarely encounters humans. This can be an uncomfortable experience. The Park Rangers will know what to do in such encounters. Follow their instructions and keep a distance to avoid incurring the wrath of the wild silverback.

Obstructing or surrounding the group whether intentionally or not: While observing a gorilla group in the wild, it is important to leave enough space for the gorillas to move about freely and in whichever direction they wish to go. If they sense that they are being surrounded, they could forcefully push you away as they move about. A worst case scenario is for the silverback to charge. To avoid obstructing or surrounding the gorilla group, national parks insist that only 8 tourists can visit a particular gorilla group in a day. As already mentioned, everyone must keep a distance of 7 meters away from the nearest primate.

Using flash cameras when taking photos of the group: Never use cameras with flash when taking photos of gorillas. The light from the camera will raise curiosity in the primates or even irritate them. During the briefing before going into the jungle, the Rangers will advise you on the best way to take photos while with the primates.

Touching a gorilla: After some time observing a gorilla group, you may get too comfortable and carried away to a point of attempting to touch one of them – especially the infants. Desist from this because the silverback will always be watching your movements. Never touch a gorilla even when it moves very close to you. Remember that though they are gentle and seem to mind their own business, they are still wild creatures.

A gorilla having a bad day: Like humans, an individual gorilla may just be in a bad mood or even sick. There are often internal wrangles among gorillas. Those that lose may remain agitated and decide to finish their anger on you. Keep a distance from gorillas that seem sick, wounded or agitated. The Rangers are great at identifying such individuals.

A gorilla that has been isolated from the group: There are situations where you will encounter a gorilla that has been temporarily chased out of the group. Some members of the group (especially younger silverbacks) may be subjects to bullying by the dominant silverback. Young but mature females also tend to have wrangles with older females as they compete for the attention of the silverback. A silverback that has been thrown out of a particular group can become aggressive to strangers when alone.

Getting too close to a breast feeding mother: Female gorillas are very protective of their young. Stay away from breastfeeding mothers. They are highly cautious of their surrounding and have a strong instinct to protect their offspring. They could charge without warning or mistake some of your actions as a threat to their young.

What to do if a gorilla charges

In the rare case that a gorilla charges, do the following: –

Remain calm and lay low. Lower yourself down and act submissive because gorillas enjoy feeling superior. Pretend as if nothing is happening and look towards the trees while remaining alert. Remain calm and never attempt to run. A gorilla is faster than most humans and running away will only encourage it to chase after you. Remaining calm and laying low will calm the primate down and stop seeing you as a threat or challenger. Gorillas never continue an attack if you stay calm and act submissive. Remember not to look directly in the eyes of the gorilla and never attempt to fight a gorilla as others have advised because it will only lead to disaster. A fully grown gorillas is as strong as 4 mature males and has very sharp teeth. If the gorilla continues its aggression, you have armed Rangers to help you.

Groom the gorilla: In case the gorilla proceeds to grab your hands, do not remove it. Use your other hand to groom the gorilla.  This advice may be difficult to implement but always remember that a gorilla is looking for more signs that you are a threat. Grooming shows that you are not a threat and that you are submissive. Acting submissive and remaining calm always ends well.

Move away slowly: After the gorilla has calmed down, move away slowly – one step after another. Never make a sudden movement that may be mistaken for more aggression. Remember to listen to and follow instructions from the Rangers/Guides.  They are very experienced in handling difficult situations including a charging gorilla. The Guides will attempt to shield you in case you attract the attention of any of the members of the gorilla group.

Wait for the Guides and Rangers to help: Always remember that you will be moving with armed Guards. In case the gorilla continues to become aggressive even after you act submissive and follow all the instructions, expect to be protected by the Rangers. They will attempt to draw the attention of the gorilla from you to themselves. The last thing they want to do is shoot an endangered gorilla. If all fails, they may shoot in the sky to scare off the primate. We have never heard of a Ranger/Guide shooting in the sly or a gorilla. Remember that proving that you are not a threat is all that a charging gorilla needs. You do that by remaining calm and acting submissive.