Zookeeper faces terrifying standoff after gorilla charges at him

Fort Worth Zookeeper Faces Off with Angry Gorilla in Heart-Stopping Encounter

Fort Worth, Texas – Staring down an angry silverback gorilla is not where anyone wants to be, but one Fort Worth zookeeper found herself in that exact situation. The heart-stopping encounter was captured by zoo patrons and has since gone viral on TikTok.

The video shows Elmo, a 34-year-old male silverback gorilla, charging out of a cave-like part of his enclosure straight towards a zookeeper. The employee quickly reacts by throwing a large tin pan as a distraction for Elmo and bolting towards a door. As she holds the door open, she locks eyes with the massive ape, resulting in a tense standoff.

Adding to the drama is the fact that a second zookeeper was standing just a few feet away from the gorilla, hiding behind a tree. The video, captured by former zoo security officer Ben White, shows the second zoo worker attempting to play a “fun” game of hide-and-seek with Elmo to distract him from charging at the other employee.

Fortunately, the ploy worked, and Elmo eventually calmed down. In a surprising turn of events, Elmo even held up the tin pan, seemingly trying to return it to the employees. White revealed that he had actually shot the video several months ago, but it had only recently gained traction on social media.

The Fort Worth Zoo issued a statement commending the two keepers for their quick thinking and professionalism during the encounter. The zookeepers were unaware that Elmo was still loose in the enclosure when they entered, but their tactics proved effective. There was never any physical contact between Elmo and the keepers, and no one was injured.

In response to the incident, zoo officials stated, “The zookeepers work with and train these animals every day, and thanks to their knowledge and expertise, they navigated the situation calmly and were able to exit the yard safely.”

The captivating video serves as a reminder of the inherent risks faced by zookeepers who work closely with dangerous animals on a daily basis. Despite the adrenaline-inducing encounter, both the keepers and Elmo emerged unscathed, showcasing the importance of training and experience in handling such situations.