Mesmerising the world, a silverback gorilla named Ambam at the Port Lympne Wild Animal Park in the Isle of Thanet, England, has acquired the fascinating skill of walking upright like a human, all on his own.
Standing at an impressive six feet and weighing in at 34 stone, Ambam’s stoop-less stride has turned him into the darling of cyberspace and a captivating spectacle for zoo-goers all over the globe.
Ambam’s incredibly unique ability to walk erect is all the more astounding because he honed this talent without any external aid or training.
Zoological experts at the park explain that Ambam began imitating his zookeeper’s gait and, over time, he became adept at maintaining balance and fluently walking on his two hind legs.
His innate curiosity and the heightened intelligence associated with silverback gorillas most likely significantly contributed to this highly unusual behaviour.
Ambam’s eerily human stroll brings onlookers face-to-face with the radical adaptability and acute cleverness exhibited by gorillas. Bipedalism is an uncommon trait in these primates, who generally use their knuckles to facilitate locomotion.
Nevertheless, Ambam’s ability underscores their incredible capacity to learn, scrutinise, and recreate behaviours they observe in their environments. Ambam’s fame reaches far beyond social media virality – he also advocates for conservation movements.
The Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Ambam’s home, forms part of an expansive conservation effort aimed at safekeeping endangered species. The park also aids in raising awareness about the challenges faced by gorillas in the wild, such as deforestation, illegal hunting, and habitat destruction.
Ambam’s tale emphasises the necessity of conserving these awe-inspiring beings and their habitats, especially given the unchecked threats they face.
For those visiting Port Lympne, witnessing Ambam’s upright stroll invariably becomes the standout experience. His uncannily human-like movements elicit shock, joy, and admiration, acting as a symbolic bridge between humanity and the animal kingdom. Ambam’s one-of-a-kind talent, besides making him a global sensation, shows the world the intelligence and individuality inherent in gorillas.
