WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF A GORILLA APPROACHES YOU DURING THE TREK?

When you are on a gorilla trek, the chance to see these magnificent animals up close is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, if a gorilla approaches you, it’s crucial to know how to react properly to ensure your safety and the safety of the animal. Gorillas are generally gentle, but they are wild animals, and their behaviour can change depending on the situation. Here’s a detailed guide on what to do if a gorilla approaches you during a trek.

 

1. Stay Calm and Don’t Panic

First and foremost, stay calm. It’s normal to feel nervous or even frightened if a gorilla approaches, but showing fear or panic can make the situation more stressful for both you and the gorilla. Take a deep breath, keep your body relaxed, and stay as still as possible. The calmer you are, the more likely the gorilla will feel at ease too. Remember, the gorilla is not approaching you to attack, but it may simply be curious or assessing your presence.

2. Avoid Direct Eye Contact

In the animal world, direct eye contact can be seen as a sign of aggression or challenge. If a gorilla looks at you and you stare back directly, it might interpret this as a threat and respond defensively. Instead, avoid looking directly into its eyes. You can still observe it, but make sure to glance sideways or slightly look down. This body language shows that you are not a threat and can help keep the encounter peaceful.

3. Stand Still and Keep Your Body Relaxed

If a gorilla approaches, it’s important to stay still. Do not move quickly or make sudden gestures, as this could startle the animal. Any sudden movement can be perceived as a sign of aggression or fear, which can make the gorilla nervous or defensive. Instead, stand still, keep your arms at your sides, and avoid making any sudden gestures. This will signal to the gorilla that you are not trying to dominate or harm it.

4. Listen to Your Guide’s Instructions

Your guide is your best source of information when you’re on a gorilla trek. Guides are highly trained in animal behaviour and have experience with gorillas. If a gorilla approaches, listen carefully to your guide’s instructions. They may tell you to remain silent, move slowly, or adjust your position. Guides know how to handle these situations and will guide the group through them safely. Follow their lead without question, as their goal is to keep everyone safe and ensure the gorillas feel secure.

5. Avoid Loud Noises and Talking

When a gorilla approaches, try to stay quiet. Loud noises or talking can alarm the animal and cause it to feel threatened. If you need to communicate with others in your group, speak in a very low voice or use hand signals to minimize noise. Loud laughing, shouting, or making loud sounds can disturb the gorilla and may make it feel anxious or threatened.

6. Keep Your Distance and Respect Their Space

Gorillas are wild animals, and it’s important to respect their space. If a gorilla approaches you, do not attempt to get closer or touch it. The recommended distance to maintain is at least 7 meters (23 feet), and even if the gorilla gets closer than that, you should not try to touch or reach out to it. Gorillas may feel threatened if they sense that their space is being invaded, and this could lead to defensive or aggressive behaviour. By respecting their space, you are also showing that you acknowledge their role as wild animals in their natural habitat.

7. Stay in a Group

When you’re on a gorilla trek, you are usually part of a group, and it’s important to stay with them. Gorillas are more likely to feel threatened by a single person rather than a group. Staying together ensures that if a gorilla approaches, it will see more people and may feel less inclined to come too close or act aggressively. Your guide will typically have strategies to ensure that the group stays together and safe if an encounter occurs.

8. Make Yourself Appear Smaller

If the gorilla approaches you closely, make yourself appear smaller. This can be done by crouching down slightly or sitting if it is safe to do so. By making yourself appear smaller, you communicate to the gorilla that you are not a threat. Gorillas are naturally powerful, and making yourself less imposing may help reduce any feelings of tension or intimidation. However, do this slowly and avoid sudden movements.

9. Be Prepared for the Unexpected

Gorilla encounters can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for anything. Always follow the basic safety guidelines and understand that the behavior of wild animals can change in an instant. Being mentally prepared for unexpected behaviour from a gorilla such as chest-beating, vocalizations, or a sudden charge can help you stay calm and respond correctly. Chest-beating is usually a sign of dominance or a way to assert authority, so if this happens, remember to stay calm and follow your guide’s instructions.

10. Observe the Gorilla’s Body Language

Understanding gorilla body language can give you clues about their state of mind. If a gorilla approaches and starts making low grunting sounds or moves slowly and cautiously, it is likely curious or trying to assess you. However, if the gorilla starts making loud noises, beats its chest, or displays its teeth, it may be feeling threatened or trying to assert dominance. In these cases, stay as still and calm as possible and avoid looking directly at the gorilla. Your guide will provide more advice based on the specific situation.

11. Do Not Take Photos or Videos without Permission

Taking photos or videos is part of the excitement of seeing gorillas, but it’s important to do so responsibly. Always wait for your guide to give permission before taking any pictures. If you do take photos, make sure that the flash is off. Flash photography can startle the animals and create tension. If a gorilla approaches while you are taking photos, put your camera down and follow the guidelines above to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

12. Watch Out for Personal Items

If you have items like backpacks, cameras, or hats, keep them secure and close to your body. Gorillas are curious and may reach out to investigate objects that are in their environment. If a gorilla gets interested in an item you’re holding or wearing, it’s important to be careful and avoid pulling away abruptly. Your guide will likely advise you on how to handle such situations if they occur.

13. Stay Alert for Signs of Aggression

Gorillas can show signs of aggression if they feel threatened. Signs include loud vocalizations, standing upright, and beating their chest. If you see these behaviors, stay as still as possible and follow your guide’s lead. Do not make any loud noises or quick movements. It’s a way for the gorilla to show that it’s dominant or defending its territory. If the gorilla makes aggressive gestures, take them as a sign to remain non-threatening and calm.

14. Know How to React to a Charge

While it’s rare for a gorilla to charge, it’s still important to know what to do if it happens. If a gorilla starts to charge at you, don’t turn your back or run away. Instead, stay still and try to make yourself look smaller. Your guide might tell you to crouch down or step back slowly to show that you are not a threat. Do not scream or move away quickly, as this could trigger a chase response.

15. Avoid Feeding or Offering Food

Feeding gorillas or even offering them food is never a good idea. This can disrupt their natural behaviour and lead to dangerous situations. Gorillas have strong instincts to look for food, and if they associate humans with food, it could lead to them becoming aggressive or more likely to approach people in the future. It’s important to respect their wild nature and let them find their own food.

16. Use the Experience to Reflect and Appreciate

After the encounter is over and the gorilla has moved on, take a moment to reflect on the experience. Witnessing a wild gorilla up close is a rare and special event. It’s an opportunity to think about the importance of protecting their natural habitat and the need for conservation efforts. Showing respect for wildlife helps ensure that these magnificent animals continue to exist for future generations to enjoy.

 

Conclusion

If a gorilla approaches you during a trek, maintaining composure and following the safety guidelines is crucial for both your safety and the well-being of the animals. Remember, gorillas are generally peaceful and curious by nature, and their approach is often a sign of interest rather than aggression. Always follow the guidance of your experienced guide, who is trained to manage interactions and protect both visitors and wildlife. With the right approach, a gorilla encounter can be an unforgettable moment that highlights the importance of conservation and our connection to the natural world.