Gorilla Refuses To Let Others Near, Then Staff Looked At His Hands

They were very used to Bobo’s routine by now. So one day when his behavior changed they knew they had to figure out what was going on.

He was holding something but they didn’t know what. They couldn’t get close and when they would finally figure it out everyone would be taken by surprise. This wasn’t typical behavior for apes.

Bobo

YouTube / Apes Like Us

Bobo was only two-years-old when he got to the Mefou Primate Sanctuary. He was orphaned by poachers who took his mother from him.

After a few years and Bobo had turned from a scared orphan to a fully grown alpha male at the sanctuary. No poachers would mess with him now.

Kind Natured

Facebook / Ape Action Africa

Bobo may seem intimidating weighing in at 300 pounds. But this gorilla has a sweet side and shows it to all the other apes and the staff.

Bobo was the alpha at the sanctuary and wouldn’t be dethroned by anyone. He was the king, and he wouldn’t let anyone take his title.

Alpha

Facebook / Ape Action Africa

One of Bobo’s caretakers, Elissa, explained, “Younger males Kibu and Nkamum once challenged Bobo for his position, they were never successful and no longer attempt to take control.”

So when Bobo started acting differently his caretakers were very concerned. What had changed?

Strange Behavior

Wikimedia Commons / Charles J. Sharp / CC 4.0

The Mefou Sanctuary is funded by Ape Action Africa and houses over 300 primates that need a safe place.

Elissa primarily raised Bobo and since she knew his character so well she immediately noticed when his behavior changed. She would have to watch him closely and make sure no other primates were in danger.