Each year on September 24, World Gorilla Day serves as a reminder of the critical need to protect gorillas, our closest relatives after chimpanzees. This day calls upon individuals, governments, and organizations to unite in the effort to preserve these incredible creatures, with initiatives often driven by international agreements like the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. While gorillas have long been misunderstood and misrepresented, especially in popular culture, today we are learning to appreciate their true nature—peaceful, intelligent, and deeply interconnected with their environments.
Shifting the Narrative: From Villains to Gentle Giants
For decades, gorillas were depicted as dangerous and violent in Western media, with one of the most notable examples being the 1933 film King Kong. The movie created a fearful image of gorillas as savage beasts, an image that took root in the public imagination. However, this portrayal couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, gorillas are gentle and social animals, similar to bonobos and smaller chimpanzees. They live in close-knit family groups, exhibit deep emotional intelligence, and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems.
The Origins of the Name ‘Gorilla’
The name “gorilla” has a rich and somewhat mysterious history. It was first coined in 1847 by Thomas Staughton Savage, a physician, and Jeffries Wyman, a naturalist, after they studied a gorilla specimen in Liberia. They derived the name from the ancient writings of Hanno the Navigator, a Carthaginian explorer from the 5th century BC. In his travelogue, Periplus of Hanno, he described encountering “wild men” with hairy bodies along the West African coast. He referred to these creatures as ‘gorillai’. Although scholars are still unsure whether Hanno encountered actual gorillas or simply misunderstood what he saw, his account laid the foundation for the term we use today.
Hanno’s Expedition: Fact or Fiction?
Hanno’s journey remains shrouded in mystery. As a military commander, he led an expedition along the West African coast and wrote about his findings. One of his most intriguing discoveries was an island where he claimed to see creatures called ‘gorillai’. Some historians speculate that he may have been describing either gorillas or even early human tribes. However, modern researchers remain divided on the authenticity of his accounts, with many debating whether his descriptions reflect reality or are embellished tales.
Understanding Our Shared History with Gorillas
Regardless of whether Hanno encountered actual gorillas, his writings highlight the long history of human-animal interactions and the ways we have often misunderstood the natural world. Misconceptions like those in King Kong stem from these historical misunderstandings, but we now have the opportunity to correct these narratives. World Gorilla Day provides a platform for spreading awareness about the true nature of these magnificent creatures.
Why World Gorilla Day Matters
World Gorilla Day encourages people to learn more about gorillas, not just as animals but as complex beings with emotional and social bonds. It aims to overturn outdated myths, celebrate their intelligence, and highlight the ongoing efforts to conserve them. Gorillas face severe threats from habitat loss, poaching, and disease, making it crucial for global communities to come together in support of conservation efforts. Protecting gorillas isn’t just about safeguarding a species; it’s about recognizing their place in our shared ecosystem and history.
By fostering a deeper understanding of gorillas and their cultural significance, World Gorilla Day helps pave the way for a future where these peaceful creatures are no longer at risk but can thrive alongside humans in a world that values and respects all forms of life.