At Louisville Zoo, a silverback gorilla named Jelani has captured hearts with his unusual fascination: smartphones. Unlike typical gorilla behavior, Jelani loves watching photos and videos on visitors’ phones, especially clips featuring baby gorillas. This unexpected interest shows how intelligent and emotionally rich gorillas can be.
Jelani’s love for screens began after an injury during his early life at Lincoln Park Zoo. To keep him entertained during recovery, staff showed him photos and videos, sparking a lifelong curiosity for digital media. When Jelani moved to Louisville Zoo in 2002, this habit continued, and zookeepers now regularly share smartphones and tablets with him as a form of enrichment.
The video captures Jelani intently watching a phone’s screen, sometimes reaching out as if wanting to keep the device close. His behavior resembles a human’s fascination with selfies and videos, making it easy for visitors to connect with him emotionally.
What makes Jelani’s story special is how it highlights the emotional intelligence of gorillas. They don’t just react instinctively; they show preferences and engage in ways that suggest awareness and social connection. Jelani’s calm, gentle demeanor, combined with his tech curiosity, reminds us that animals are more complex than we often assume.
Beyond being an entertaining viral moment, Jelani serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation. His popularity helps raise awareness about gorillas and their endangered status in the wild. By connecting with Jelani’s unique personality, people may feel inspired to support efforts protecting these magnificent creatures.
