Charging gorilla breaks glass at San Diego Zoo

Katja Sutil was enjoying her visit to the San Diego Zoo's gorilla enclosure when one of the massive apes suddenly charged toward her, slamming its powerful fist into the glass and leaving a deep crack just inches from her face.

- By Ciara HARTER

TWO GORILLAS at the zoo in 2021. Adult males can weigh 300 to 500 pounds.

(KEN BOHN San Diego Zoo)

“I was really shocked. There was probably a 6-foot crack and the gorilla was just staring at me,” she said. “Tt was terrifying.”

Zoo officials said in a statement that Denny, a 10-year-old western lowland gorilla, broke one of the three layers of tempered glass separating guests from the gorilla habitat on Saturday. Denny was not injured; however, the exhibit will be temporarily closed as the glass is repaired.

“It is common for male gorillas, especially in adolescence, to express these types of behaviors,” a zoo spokesperson said in a statement. “Bursts of energy, charging, dragging items, or running sideways are all natural for a young male.”