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Spy Gorilla’s Mission To Infiltrate the Troop

Animals are curious creatures and watching them investigate the unknown is not only satisfying but intriguing too. As humans, we are often scared of the unknown, but we all react to it differently. Animals are no different. BBC has made a documentary series showing us some animal reactions to the suspicious unknown. 

Are You A Danger To My Child

Screenshot from Robot spy gorilla infiltrates a wild gorilla troop | Spy In The Wild – BBC. Source: Youtube, Uploaded: BBC

Silverback Gorillas are curious creatures. They are not afraid to investigate a strange newcomer. They are smart animals, living in troops, and will stop at nothing to protect their young.

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A Metal Monkey In The Mix

Screenshot from Robot spy gorilla infiltrates a wild gorilla troop | Spy In The Wild – BBC. Source: Youtube, Uploaded: BBC

When a strange newcomer appears to the troop everyone is intrigued. A young gorilla steps forward, reaching out his hand. In gorilla language, the touch of a hand is an invitation. A question of “Can we be friends?” or “Are we friends?”. This little guy isn’t afraid.

This Is The Alpha’s Domain

Screenshot from Robot spy gorilla infiltrates a wild gorilla troop | Spy In The Wild – BBC. Source: Youtube, Uploaded: BBC

The video takes us to the Alpha of the tribe, climbing down from his perch in the tree to decide if this newcomer is a threat. In this troop, Dad gets the final say. The alpha is in charge and no one messes with the alpha.

Interrogation Into The Troops

Screenshot from Robot spy gorilla infiltrates a wild gorilla troop | Spy In The Wild – BBC. Source: Youtube, Uploaded: BBC

To be accepted into the tribe, this spy gorilla will have to impress the Alpha. He makes it clear that no one goes near this stranger until he says so. Banging his fist on the ground, the Alpha sends out his command.

Stay Back This One Is Weird

Screenshot from Robot spy gorilla infiltrates a wild gorilla troop | Spy In The Wild – BBC. Source: Youtube, Uploaded: BBC

With a wiggle of the lips, the Alpha sends out a warning signal. A noise that sounds like someone blowing a raspberry. We see in the video that, with great respect, the troop obeys. They watch quietly as the Alpha heads over to the little stranger.

Guardian of the Troops

Screenshot from Robot spy gorilla infiltrates a wild gorilla troop | Spy In The Wild – BBC. Source: Youtube, Uploaded: BBC

The Big Boss is skeptical, he doesn’t know this stranger, he’s unsure, and he is not willing to put his family in danger. Even for a curly gorilla with a fake eye! The Alpha sets his arm down between his troop and the visitor, creating a barrier no one may cross. This is now an investigation.

The Final Verdict

Screenshot from Robot spy gorilla infiltrates a wild gorilla troop | Spy In The Wild – BBC. Source: Youtube, Uploaded: BBC

The well-programmed spy knows how to prove his worth. By averting his eyes he shows respect to the Alpha. This simple act got a final verdict from the Great Gorilla. The spy has been accepted into the troop.

A New Member of the Family

Screenshot from Robot spy gorilla infiltrates a wild gorilla troop | Spy In The Wild – BBC. Source: Youtube, Uploaded: BBC

The troop goes back to relaxing and doing their gorilla things. Meanwhile, the spy is invited to play by the young gorillas. The way this invite is extended by a simple smack on the chest. For adults, this means power, for youngsters this means playtime.

The Chimps are Chums

Screenshot from Robot spy gorilla infiltrates a wild gorilla troop | Spy In The Wild – BBC. Source: Youtube, Uploaded: BBC

The Metal Monkey accepts the invitation to play. Responding with a chest smack. Some animals have very interesting ways of communicating. I’m glad we don’t have to send invitations that way! The gorilla kid comes over to join the spy, they are now buddies!

This is Awkward

Screenshot from Robot spy gorilla infiltrates a wild gorilla troop | Spy In The Wild – BBC. Source: Youtube, Uploaded: BBC

As you may have guessed, gorilla games can get out of hand. This little gorilla gets a surprise when his new buddy falls over. By simply moving a stick he seems to think he just killed his new friend! The poor little guy looked scared and guilty. He must be wondering, “What just happened?”

An Explanation is Needed

Screenshot from Robot spy gorilla infiltrates a wild gorilla troop | Spy In The Wild – BBC. Source: Youtube, Uploaded: BBC

The little gorilla sneaks away through the bushes. He heads for Mum’s protection as the Alpha notices what is going on. The little gorilla sneaks onto his mum’s back. It seems like it’s not just human kids who act like they had no part in an incident!

The Metal Monkey Lives On

Screenshot from Robot spy gorilla infiltrates a wild gorilla troop | Spy In The Wild – BBC. Source: Youtube, Uploaded: BBC

Luckily for the little spy, he lives on! He may have had a little fall, but he is made of strong stuff. The camera continues to document. Hopefully, he got a better angle.

The Gorilla’s Got A Scar

Gorilla. Image by Joshua. J. Cotten via Unsplash

What about the young gorilla? How did that event affect him? This little guy just had a scare, possibly leaving trauma. This spy may have left a permanent print on this little gorilla.

The Camera Casualty

Little Monkey. Image by Jeremy Bishop via Unsplash

Often we find it fun to capture animals doing fun things on camera. Drones and photographers (and even spies) are sent out to capture animals in the wild. Do we ever think about how this may affect the animal? Do we think about how we may feel if someone came into our home and started filming us? Especially when we don’t know what’s going on! It would be creepy and disturbing.

Picture Leading To Panic

Baby Gorilla. Image by Porco Rosso via Unsplash

The presence of these drones, cameras, and crews can cause great distress to these animals. Especially when one seems to drop dead! The disturbance caused by humans can lead to injury and permanent damage to these beautiful creatures that we adore.

Picture Leads to Protection

Gorilla. Image by Simone Dinoia via Unsplash

There is a bright side. The documentation of these animals allows us to dive deeper into their lives and protect them. By knowing these creatures we can do more to save them. We need to protect them as best we can.

Panic vs Protect

Gorilla. Image by Valentin Jorel via Unsplash

So how do we know whether we are protecting them or causing them harm? With all the research done, we now know that there are ways for us to do this. Cameras do not have to scare these animals, drones don’t have to be loud, and humans don’t have to be invasive. Little gorillas don’t have to think they killed their new buddy.

Whispers of the Forest

Gorilla. Image by William Phipps via Unsplash

There are secrets in the forests that may be better left unknown. Nature has always taken care of itself and although it needs our help since we started killing it, it still knows how to survive. The more humans know, the more they destroy.

Survive Serve and Save

Gorilla. Image by Lesli Whitecotton via Unsplash

The attitude in the world is changing. The holes in the system are being exposed. By pointing out the issues, and accepting that they’re there, we can understand that there are ways to help. We can push to do what needs to be done.

No More Monkeying Around

Gorilla. Image by Christina Gillette via Unsplash

There is no more time to monkey around. Our precious world needs saving, and we are the reason for it. Documenting nature is a good start when done right. I do not doubt that we can do this, but we all need to do it together.