Accuweather shared a terrifying video on TikTok recently of one woman’s encounter with a young gorilla who got a little too close for comfort. The video shows a tourist trekking through Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and the tense moment when the gorilla reached out and grabbed her shirt.
The video is only 16 seconds long and starts showing the gorilla with his hand already on the tourist’s shirt. For a few seconds, he just holds on, but not long after that, he yanks on it!
@accuweather A tourist trekking through Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park had a tense moment when a gorilla reached out and grabbed her shirt. The travel planner said the young gorilla was being “curious and playful” and that “this is not aggression,” adding that the guide took the right sounds and movements to ward off the animal. #gorilla #wildlife #animals #wildanimal #wildlifeoftiktok #accuweather
That woman must have been terrified…we would’ve been! Huge kudos to her for staying so calm – we don’t think we would’ve been able to keep it together like she did!
Fortunately, the tour guide knew what to do to make the gorilla back away. Accuweather explained in the video’s caption, “The travel planner said the young gorilla was being “curious and playful” and that “this is not aggression,” adding that the guide took the right sounds and movements to ward off the animal.”
Related: Video of Photographer Encountering Silverback Gorilla Beating on His Chest Goes Viral
Commenters Had Mixed Reactions to the Gorilla Encounter
Commenters all agreed that this would’ve been a very tense situation to be in. One commenter wondered, “Do they not tell you to NOT make eye contact with them?” We thought the same thing when the woman turned around and looked at the gorilla.
@NakdPeekABoo said what we were thinking, “Bro was about to pull you into the jungle and never be seen again….” @Money added, “He only had one question for her…’Where’s my banana?’ LOL!” @Dr.Dave cracked us up when he joked, “Idk what size you are big fella, but you just got yourself a shirt. You don’t want these pants, though. Trust me.”
Most of us will never have to worry about encountering a gorilla in the wild, but if you’re the adventurous type, LifeHacker shares some tips for what to do if you find yourself in this situation:
- Slowly crouch down and make yourself small.
- Avert your gaze from any nearby gorilla and look away. Attempt to look disinterested.
- Gradually create distance between you and the gorillas without making any sudden moves.
- Keep 7 meters from the gorillas (social distancing).
- Avoid eye contact with the silverback gorilla.
- Do not use flash with the camera.
- Do not make sudden movements.
- Keep close with your group.
- Speak in a low tone (whispers).
- In case a silverback charges at you crouch and look down.
- Do not eat near the gorillas.
Luckily the tourist was unharmed and was able to walk away with a once in a lifetime story to share!