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Gorilla Reads Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights at Lincoln Park Zoo

Gorilla Reads Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Image via publisher "The ONION", Photographer: unknown.

A scene equal parts humorous and heartbreaking unfolded this week at the Lincoln Park Zoo, where Nzinga, a 26-year-old silverback gorilla, appeared utterly disinterested while leafing through Emily Brontë’s 19th-century classic, Wuthering Heights. Visitors to the zoo were quick to notice Nzinga’s evident boredom, sparking conversation about animal enrichment and the challenges of captivity.

A Gorilla’s Lackluster Literary Journey

Family of Cross Gorillas
Family of Cross Gorillas. Source: WildAid

Seated in his enclosure, Nzinga was seen slumped over, head resting on his hand, as he trudged through the gothic tale of revenge, passion, and social class. With the exception of a few rocks and plants, the weathered novel seemed to be Nzinga’s sole enrichment item, leading to concern among zoo guests.

Angela Kreusler, a visitor from Elmhurst, IL, couldn’t help but empathize. “Poor thing. Imagine spending your days locked up with only Heathcliff’s brooding misery to keep you company,” she said, gesturing at the gorilla as he fidgeted with the corner of a page. “He yawns every time he turns a page. It’s obvious he’s not enjoying this at all.”

Kreusler suggested that the zoo at least provide more engaging material, commenting, “Can’t they give him a Jack Reacher book or something with action? Or maybe even a fun travel magazine?”

The Weight of Wuthering Heights

Gorilla eating plants.
Gorilla eating plants. Image by Trek13 via Depositphotos.

Nzinga’s lack of enthusiasm wasn’t lost on other visitors, who noted the daunting challenge of finishing the 1847 classic. At less than one-third of the way through, the gorilla still faced hundreds of pages packed with tangled family trees and character dramas. William Torres, a 29-year-old zoo guest, expressed frustration at the situation.

“How is he supposed to keep track of all those Catherines and Heathcliffs without a family tree?” Torres said. “This feels cruel. He should at least get SparkNotes or, better yet, an audiobook so he can just zone out.”

Torres, like many others, left the zoo feeling disheartened. “Locking up animals without meaningful entertainment or stimulation is immoral. It’s enough to make you rethink zoos entirely.”

A Call for Better Enrichment

Western Lowland Gorilla.
Western Lowland Gorilla. Image by Trek13 via Depositphotos.

Animal rights activists have also taken notice, calling for zookeepers to provide more engaging options for Nzinga. Suggestions ranged from puzzle feeders and interactive toys to electronic devices where Nzinga could play simple games or watch educational videos. Some even humorously suggested giving him access to Doodle Jump, highlighting the need for dynamic, stimulating activities in captive environments.

“Animals like Nzinga require constant enrichment to maintain their mental and emotional health,” an activist said in a press statement. “A dusty novel with complicated prose isn’t going to cut it.”

A Lighthearted but Serious Reminder

Eastern Lowland Gorilla. Image via Depositphotos.

While the image of a gorilla struggling through Wuthering Heights might draw laughs, it also sheds light on a deeper issue: the importance of providing meaningful stimulation for animals in captivity. Whether it’s through books, puzzles, or interactive devices, zoos must prioritize the mental well-being of their residents.

As for Nzinga, perhaps the next book in his enclosure could be something a little more engaging—because even the most introspective silverback deserves a break from Brontë.