This video from the Momotaro family captures a memorable moment when Genki, the gorilla mother, loses her patience with her mischievous young son. The little gorilla is full of energy, running around, disturbing others, and ignoring Genki’s gentle warnings, prompting her to take more direct action.
In a quick and decisive move, Genki delivers a light punch to correct her son’s behavior. The young gorilla is surprised and pauses, seemingly realizing he has gone too far. This is a natural part of gorilla parenting — a physical cue to teach discipline, maintain order, and communicate important social rules within the group.
Despite the punch, Genki’s actions are not harsh or harmful. She immediately returns to a calm demeanor, showing that the correction is a part of teaching rather than an expression of anger like humans. This moment is both amusing and informative: viewers often laugh at the baby’s startled reaction while also gaining insight into how gorilla mothers guide their children.
Like human parents, gorilla mothers balance patience, guidance, and discipline to help their young develop proper behavior and social skills. Genki’s interaction demonstrates that even in the animal kingdom, teaching children involves firmness as well as care and attention.
For viewers, this scene provides a rare glimpse into gorilla family life and social dynamics. It reminds us that parenting, whether in humans or gorillas, requires love, consistency, and the courage to correct misbehavior. Watching Genki teach her son, we see the strong maternal bond, the protective instincts, and the guidance that help young gorillas grow into well-adjusted members of their social group.
