Frequently gazed at the gorilla, even though zookeepers had warned her not to grin or make direct eye contact.
The woman told Dutch media that “he is and remains my darling,” indicating that she still loved the gorilla despite the attack.
She stated: “My husband and I visit the zoo virtually daily, and we always see Bokito. I even have movies and photos from when he was four months old in Berlin.
“I heard a thud behind me while I was standing by the small apes in the Africa exhibit. When I turned back, Bokito was there. I had nowhere to go. He took hold of me, sat on me, and started to bite me.
“I could only think, ‘Oh God, I’m going to die, I’m going to die.'”Direct eye contact is viewed by gorillas as hostile behavior and may be interpreted as a challenge to their dominance.
In addition to exposing your teeth, which is another aggressive gesture, a smile can also be seen as fear, which may ultimately be a signal for an assault.Bokito passed away suddenly in 2023.
