At Chiba Zoo, a seemingly harmless moment — visitors tossing food to a gorilla — can pose serious risks to the animal’s health and well-being. The video shows Rola quickly grabbing and eating the food. While it may look cute, the reality is concerning.
Zoo gorillas have carefully balanced diets designed by veterinarians and nutrition experts to meet their specific needs. Random feeding from visitors — often human food with sugar, salt, fat, or preservatives — can cause digestive problems, nutrient imbalance, obesity, and metabolic issues.
Beyond health, such feeding can alter natural behaviors. When gorillas get used to receiving food from humans, they may lose their natural foraging instincts, affecting both physical and mental well-being. Food from visitors can also carry bacteria or harmful substances, increasing the risk of illness.
Conclusion: Feeding should always be managed by trained zoo staff who understand the animals’ dietary requirements. Visitors should observe, respect, and learn — never throw food into enclosures. Gorillas like Rola deserve proper care and safe nutrition, not random snacks from strangers.
