Gorilla Incident at San Diego Zoo Raises Concerns Over Visitor Safety

A startling incident at the San Diego Zoo on October 11, 2025, has left visitors shaken after a ten-year-old gorilla named Denny charged at the glass enclosure with such force that it shattered one of its three layers. Weighing in at 400 pounds, Denny’s display of strength not only alarmed onlookers but also raised questions about the safety measures in place for both animals and visitors.

The Incident Unfolds

Witnesses described the scene as chaotic. Families were enjoying their day at the zoo when Denny suddenly hurled himself against the glass, creating a sound that one visitor, Jackie Doubler, likened to an earthquake. “It literally felt like an earthquake before we realized that that was just him hitting the glass,” she recounted to 10News. The impact sent visitors scrambling, but zoo security quickly responded to the situation, ensuring that everyone remained safe.

Zoo officials later confirmed that, despite the glass shattering, Denny was unharmed. The enclosure’s design, featuring three layers of tempered safety glass, was intended to withstand significant force, but the incident has prompted a review of safety protocols.

Context of Denny’s Behavior

Denny’s aggressive display is not entirely out of character for a young male gorilla. According to zoo officials, such behavior is common among male gorillas, particularly during adolescence. “Bursts of energy, charging, dragging items, or running sideways are all natural for a young male,” a zoo spokesperson explained.

Dr. Erin Riley, a primate behavior specialist and anthropology professor at San Diego State University, elaborated on this phenomenon. She noted that “charging displays” are typical among gorillas, especially males, as a way to assert dominance or show off. “Gorillas, particularly males, will often do what we call ‘charging displays,’ as a kind of act of showing off,” she said.

The Aftermath and Visitor Reactions

In the wake of the incident, the zoo has temporarily relocated the gorillas in the Forest habitat enclosure while repairs are made to the glass. This incident comes on the heels of a tragic event in August, when Denny’s older brother, Maka, a 30-year-old western lowland gorilla, died unexpectedly from a cardiac event. The loss of his brother may have contributed to Denny’s heightened stress levels, leading to his aggressive behavior.

Zoo officials have urged visitors to be cautious around the animals. “They’re super strong. We need to be respectful of them, and also respectful of their space,” said visitor Andrea Corry. Many visitors have expressed concern over the behavior of some zoo-goers who provoke animals by tapping on the glass or making loud noises. “A lot of people hit the glass, tap it, try to provoke them, and we need to just observe-watch them, not aggravate them,” Corry added.

Understanding Gorilla Behavior

Experts in animal behavior have weighed in on the incident, suggesting that Denny’s actions may not have been purely aggressive. Dr. Annie Petersen, an animal behavior and bonding expert, noted that the display could have stemmed from excitement or exploration rather than aggression. “It may not necessarily have been an aggressive reaction; it may have been one of excitement, it may have been one of exploration,” she explained.

Understanding gorilla behavior is crucial for both zookeepers and visitors. Gorillas are known to dislike direct eye contact, which can be misinterpreted by humans as a challenge. Dr. Riley emphasized that visitors should be aware of these nuances to avoid inadvertently provoking the animals.

The Bigger Picture: Conservation and Safety

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the safety of both animals and visitors in zoos. Western lowland gorillas, like Denny, are critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching in central Africa. The San Diego Zoo plays a vital role in conservation efforts, but incidents like this highlight the need for ongoing education about animal behavior and visitor safety.

As the zoo works to repair the glass and ensure the safety of its animals and guests, it remains committed to its mission of conservation and education. The incident serves as a reminder of the power and unpredictability of wildlife, even in controlled environments.

Conclusion

The recent incident involving Denny the gorilla at the San Diego Zoo has raised important questions about visitor safety and animal behavior. While such displays are not uncommon among young male gorillas, the event underscores the need for greater awareness and respect for these magnificent creatures. As the zoo continues its conservation efforts, it is essential for visitors to understand the complexities of animal behavior and to engage with wildlife in a responsible manner.