At Chiba Zoo, a seemingly harmless moment — a visitor tossing food to a gorilla — can actually pose serious risks to the animal’s health and well-being. The video captures Rola quickly grabbing and eating the food. At first glance, it seems innocent, but the reality can be dangerous.
Zoo animals, like gorillas, have carefully controlled diets: the type, quantity, and timing of food are all designed by veterinarians and nutrition experts. When visitors feed them randomly — often foods high in sugar, salt, fat, or preservatives — it can cause digestive issues, obesity, metabolic problems, diarrhea, or other health complications.
Moreover, throwing food into enclosures affects gorilla behavior. When they get used to receiving food from visitors, they may lose natural foraging instincts, which are crucial for both physical and mental well-being.
Rola’s experience reminds us that even with good intentions, giving wild animals food in the wrong way is a serious mistake. Protecting them requires respecting their diet and daily routines.
Conclusion: Feeding should be left to trained staff who understand the animals’ needs. Visitors should observe, respect, and learn — not throw food. Gorillas like Rola deserve proper care, not random snacks
