Gorilla Etiquette - or Mizz Manners of Gorillas:

Gorillas learn how to behave properly by living in social groups, where other gorillas can "teach" them what is acceptable and not-acceptable behaviors - from a gorilla's point of view! Often humans think gorillas, who look so much like us, should act like we do too, but that’s not right. Humans have our own manners, and as we grow and we learn what is socially accepted behavior and what is not. It’s not rude for a gorilla to pick his nose or go to the bathroom wherever it suits him/her, but it’s considered gross on toast for humans to do so! Human manners and gorilla manners aren’t always the same, and it helps to know some of the differences.

When you see a gorilla in a zoo, you may be acting rude and not even know it! Here are some Gorilla-No-No’s in Gorilla Etiquette:

Staring is a form of a threat or aggression to a gorilla.

Loud noises or fast, sudden movements are threats to a gorilla.

Pointing or waving arms towards a gorilla is a threat or rude gesture.

Showing teeth is a sign of aggression.

Beating your chest, shoving together to get as close to the gorilla as possible or standing tall and trying to show off or scare them is a sign of disrespect.

Making fun of or laughing at a gorilla is rude - they have feelings too.

Think about these things. What happens at a zoo? You see a gorilla, are amazed, point to it, shout for your friends to come and see what you’re seeing, you smile (showing your teeth) and stare at it! The poor gorilla is probably thinking, "These rude humans. What did I do to deserve this kind of ill mannered treatment?" Some zoo gorillas get used to the constant rudeness of their human visitors. Some zoo gorillas are upset and stressed by it and display aberrant (abnormal or unusual) behaviors, which is of great concern to their zoo keepers.

But there are Gorilla Manners you can learn. These include:

Be QUIET and don’t make sudden movements.

If/when a gorilla looks your way, nod and lower your head, glance away and then look back, as a sign of respect. Don’t stare!

Crouch or kneel down, so the gorilla is above or across from you, if that’s possible. This is like bowing to the queen and a sign of respect.

Stay put and quietly observe the gorillas - be like one of their family, and often one of them will come over to investigate to see who this polite newcomer is!

You can smile at a gorilla, but try to smile without showing too many teeth. And if you nod your head while smiling, often a zoo gorilla will understand you’re trying to be polite!

See if you can tell which are proper gorilla manners compared with proper human manners!

Human Manners:

Example: Queen Elizabeth of England is introduced to you. Do you:

Slap her on the back and say "Hi there Liz, how ya doing?"
Curtsy or bow and say "Good evening, your Majesty"
Stare at her in total disbelief?

Answer: (b) Anyone getting this one wrong should go straight to Charm School for some serious remedial re-training.

Gorilla Manners:

Example: You’re a human who wants to befriend a gorilla in a zoo. Do you:

Knock or bang loudly on the glass, or yell and scream and jump up and down to get the gorillas’ attention?
Look at the gorilla, but quickly tilt your head and look away if/when they look back at you, nodding your respect.
Do a monkey imitation and laugh at how clever and funny you are.

Answer: (b). Gorillas in zoos are very smart and most are so very bored with dumb human beings acting like idiots trying to get their attention. Most gorilla-lovers hate it too, since it hurts us to see our beloved friends teased and tormented by ignorance.

Our personal thanks to the artist, Ruben Bolling, for his kindness and support! For the real life inspirations behind this cartoon, you can look at Binti-Jua and/or Jambo