Humans like to think we’re special, but we have more in common with animals than most people think. Gorilla babies especially remind me of human toddlers. The way they cling to their moms and horse around with their dads is reminiscent of most family relationships I know. And in this adorable video, you see the similarities first-hand!
In the video, filmed at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, you see a toddler named Isaiah meeting the zoo’s baby gorilla.
In Delaware, Ohio, the Columbus Zoo is located along the O’Shaughnessy Reservoir, boasting an impressive collection of more than 7,000 animals. The zoo originally gained prominence back in 1956 due to their former gorilla Colo. He was the world’s first gorilla to ever be born into captivity.
A few years ago, Sherry Chute and her son Isaiah were visiting the zoo and decided to check out the gorilla enclosure.
In an interview with The Columbus Dispatch, Sherry said: “He [Isaiah] was just looking at the gorillas, and we said to him, ‘Isaiah, what do the gorillas do?’ and he started pounding on his chest.” The boy’s display caught the eye of 2-year-old gorilla Kamoli, who approached the glass.
In the video, you see Kamoli sitting at the glass of the enclosure, watching Isaiah who climbs the in front of him.
Kamoli dashes playfully behind a nearby tree. He leans towards the glass, waiting to see if Isaiah will follow.
The moment Isaiah gets to Kamoli, the gorilla darts off again, playing an adorable hybrid of ‘Peekaboo’ and tag.
“Go get him, Isaiah,” Sherry encourages her son, as the toddler laughs and shrieks hysterically. The two babies chase each other for a few minutes until they both run out of steam. “Isaiah is just like that,” Sherry told The Columbus Dispatch. “Anyone who knows him knows that he’s super playful.”
“It was a really fun interaction.”
Sherry filmed the priceless interaction and sent it to the Columbus Zoo, who later posted it to their Facebook page. Since being shared on Facebook, the adorable video has gone viral.
“Peekaboo with Kamoli,” reads the caption.
Isaiah and Kamoli’s game of Peekaboo has been viewed more than 5 million times.
Of course, the footage is adorable, but it also really shows just how similar we are to other animals; especially when we remember the simple joys of childhood— before the adult worries and stressors got in the way. Comments on the video read:
“Life at its simplest and greatest.”
“This put a smile on my face. So heartwarming.”
“This is so cute. Just shows how much alike human children and baby gorillas are.”
Watch the heartwarming moment below.
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