A video capturing a harrowing incident at the Fort Worth Zoo has gone viral, showing two female zookeepers being chased by Elmo, a 34-year-old silverback gorilla. In the footage, one keeper desperately attempts to outrun the agitated gorilla, who knocks over a bin of food in pursuit. The other keeper hides behind a door in the enclosure.
The incident occurred in October, and visitors to the zoo recorded the intense moments. Spectators, concerned for the safety of the zookeepers, can be heard praying and expressing their fears. The male gorilla, Elmo, reportedly became startled when the zookeepers entered his indoor habitat, leading to the chase.
The Fort Worth Zoo explained that the incident resulted from a keeper error, as the staff entered the yard without realizing the silverback was still present. Fortunately, due to the expertise of the zookeepers, they were able to navigate the situation calmly and exit the yard safely. Despite the tension, no injuries were reported.
Elmo, who arrived in Texas a few years ago, is a well-known figure at the zoo. The 34-year-old gorilla, originally born at the Buffalo Zoo, has been a part of the troop in Texas, where he fathered a baby girl named Jameela last month. The newborn, born prematurely via C-section, marked a unique event at the Fort Worth Zoo, being the first primate born through this method.
The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wild animals and the importance of following proper protocols in zoo management to ensure the safety of both the animals and their caretakers.