Can I touch a Gorilla? – Gorilla trekking safaris – Gorilla trekking guidelines in Uganda and Rwanda – Gorilla permits bookings
Can I touch a Gorilla? – The gorilla trekking guidelines demand that every trekker keeps at least 7 meters away from the mountain gorillas because they are wild animals. Therefore, NO! It is not advisable to touch a gorilla even though the curious juveniles (infants) who are playful can come and play on you but do not get scared, stay calm. Their mother and dominant silverback do keep an eye on them and are very protective. There are moments when gorillas approach you, and in that regard, you are recommended to stay still. However because gorillas tend to be gentle, some people tend to mistake their gentleness for domesticated creatures.
It should be noted that gorillas are wild animals. Regardless of their gentle behavior, you should never be fooled into thinking that you can touch or get close to the gorillas. It becomes more dangerous when the gorillas give birth. Though many people wish to see gorillas with babies, it should be noted that it is in such families that more caution is required.
Is a gorilla human-friendly?
Yes, generally gorillas are human-friendly and known to be peaceful and gentle primates, and since they are said to have 98% of human being DNA. Gorillas are social animals and can only become threatened by humans when they feel aggressed.
Can I touch a Gorilla? – How strong is a gorilla grip?
Gorillas are strong in the way that they are capable of breaking bamboo sticks which can be seen as an exhibition of 20 times stronger than an average man. Gorillas are considered strong because the grip of a Silverback is very strong and can easily crush a crocodile.
What is a gorilla afraid of?
For unknown reasons, mountain gorillas are said to be afraid of certain reptiles like chameleons and caterpillars. The young gorillas who are always naturally playful will move out of their way if they see a caterpillar or chameleon. They are also afraid of water and will cross streams only if they can do so without getting wet, such as by crossing over fallen logs, and dislike rain.
Can you make friends with a gorilla?
Mountain gorillas are very friendly and gentle animals though they are muscular, giant, strong, and intelligent. Gorillas are friendly except when you go into their territory, taunt, threaten, try to or hurt their infants and offend them, they will become aggressive only when they feel disturbed, and when they charge they react by vigorous bites, thumping, breaking ribs, dragging, and if a person is not rescued a gorilla will them. That is why before wild mountain gorillas can be friendly or habituated to become used to human presence, rangers and researchers take a process of at least two years of making gorillas get used to human presence However, even if a gorilla group is habituated there are guidelines to be followed by tourists during gorilla trekking safaris and tours in Africa.
What should be done with a gorilla?
Keep a distance of at least s7 meters from the gorillas (social distancing). You are advised to always keep at least 7 meters (23 feet) from the gorillas at all times. This is to avoid threatening or stressing the gorillas, and it is also a way of “social distancing” with the gorillas to avoid possible transmission of diseases between gorillas and humans since some human diseases can also affect the gorillas. But the playful and curious juveniles may move close to observe you. Sometimes an adult may just like the spot where you are and could move and sit or stop right next to you. In these situations, step back till you are about seven meters, or keep moving back as long as the gorilla is moving towards you until you can move no more. If you are in the gorilla’s path and it is walking towards you, set aside and let it continue on its path.
Avoid eye contact with the silverback gorilla. Eye contact with the silverback gorilla is an indication to the silverback that you are challenging his supremacy. He will get agitated and may charge at you. So immediately you find yourself in a direct stare with the silverback gorilla, please look away. Yes, of course, it is quite tempting to look into the fiery big reddish-brown eyes of the gentle giant and hypnotizing.
Do not use a flash with the camera. Turn off the flash from the camera before encountering the gorillas. Flash from the camera disorients the gorillas, scaring them away. It may also provoke the silverback gorilla to charge.
Do not make sudden movements. When in the vicinity of the many gorillas, do not make sudden movements, such as running or picking branches. The gorillas may feel threatened and flee or provoke charging from the silverback.
Keep close with your group. Do not isolate yourself and keep away from the rest of your tracking group. Keep close to the group so that the silverback cannot easily single you out in case he is agitated.
Speak in a low tone (whispers). Keep your voice low as the gorillas love peace. If you have to speak do so in whispers.
Can I touch a Gorilla? – In case a silverback charges at you crouch and look down. This is rare but can happen if perhaps you get too close to him or any of his members or do something that puts him off. The silverback may charge at you and if this happens stay calm do not run. Look down and crouch.
Do not eat near the gorillas. The gorillas have a strict diet comprising plants in their habitat. Any foreign food may upset their digestive system and cause death.
