Overview
- Denny, a 10-year-old western lowland gorilla, struck the barrier on Oct. 11, cracking a single layer of the three-layer safety glass as visitors watched.
- Zoo officials reported no injuries to guests or the two gorillas and moved the animals off exhibit for care while the damaged panel is replaced.
- The habitat remains closed with no public timeline for repairs, and the zoo has not said whether different materials will be used for the replacement.
- Eyewitness video captured the impact and startled reactions, with visitors describing a jolt that “felt like an earthquake.”
- Primate experts described the behavior as typical for young males and noted potential influences such as play, crowd interaction, or recent social stress after the August death of Denny’s brother; prior cases show single-layer failures do not compromise public safety.