TikTok/ @Ben306069
No one wants to stare at an angry silverback gorilla, but a Fort Worth zookeeper did, and the terrifying scene was all captured by zoo visitors.
The video appeared on TikTok and it's easy to see why: Elmo, a 34-year-old male silverback, burst out of a cavernous part of his enclosure straight towards one of the keepers.
The employee could throw a large tin pan or bucket as a distraction for Elmo… as she rushed to a door. Holding it open for a few seconds, she now looks into the enormous ape's eyes… and it seems as if they are in a silent, but tense standoff.
Adding to the drama is the fact that a second zookeeper stood just a few feet away from the gorilla… hiding behind a tree.
The video was shot by a former zoo security officer, Ben White, according to WFAA. He told the outlet that the second zoo employee was trying to play a “fun” game of hide and seek with Elmo… to distract him from attacking the other employee.
The trick worked, as Elmo eventually calmed down and later even held up the tin pan… apparently in an attempt to return it to the employees.
White says he recorded the video several months ago, but it only now caught fire on social media.
Fort Worth Zoo says the two keepers didn't know Elmo was still free in the enclosure when they entered, but their tactics worked perfectly. There was never any physical contact between Elmo and the goalies… and no one was injured.
Zoo officials said: “The zookeepers work with and train these animals every day. Thanks to their knowledge and expertise, they managed the situation calmly and were able to leave the garden safely.”
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