The Look by ApeArt
This is Emma. She is a lovely beautiful gorilla. I met her whilst working at the Limbe Wildlife Centre in Cameroon. They care for rescued primates from the pet and bush meat trade.
Emma was very friendly and very fascinated with me. I was so close it was difficult to get all of her in shot, hence the missing mouth. Isn’t she amazing?
She stared intently into my eyes, never taking her gaze off me. At one point she produced a stick and slowly pushed it under the wire and cautiously poked my sandal with it, just out of curiosity, in a very gentle manner. I didn’t feel threatened at all.
Every time I moved along the fence and tried to take a picture of another gorilla, she sat in front of them, so I couldn’t very easily.
I knew she was comfortable in my presence when she slowly lifted a leg and proceeded to let out a long, loud fart, which was very smelly.
Eventually she slid her hand under the wire and I took it. A wonderful moment which I was very blessed to experience
Taken with Nikon D50 using 18-55mm lens
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Comments
lol he is giving the look! Hi Emma!!!
lol thanks Cheri :)
Beautiful clear eyes :-)
Thanks Rosie :)
– ApeArt
fabulous angled shot,dawnx
Thanks Dawn xx
– ApeArt
Gorgeous Jane. Emma is a freindly soul, and so beautiful. I really like this shot – that peeping effect from the close up is adorable.
Thanks Jul. I loved being with Emma, she was very gentle and curious, it was beautiful :)
– ApeArt
Apparently farting between friends is highly acceptable. You must have felt so honored. I love the out of focus fellow just over her shoulder, as well as, of course, the whole composition of the shot, with the greenery and all that. Emma’s closeness makes it look so 3D. When she touched your sandal with a stick, were you allowed to or prohibited from reaching out yourself to touch her? Did you talk to her? I wonder what they make of our vocalization efforts. Frankly, if it had been me, I don’t know how I would have torn myself away.
Lol Ginny I only fart with those whom I feel most comfortable with :) I didn’t touch her, but later on she slid a hand under the wire so I touched her hand. Please see my pic Gorilla Touch. It was wonderful, she was so very gentle, so very lovely :) I did talk to her, with my voice, and also a little grunting too
– ApeArt
aww shes beautiful !
Yes she is Lu x
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Wonderful intense look!!!
Gives me shivers just to watch it … stunning!!
Thanks so much :)
– ApeArt
Oh Jane how wonderful ( almost typed winderful then maybe under circs I should have left it.)
Wonderful expression, wonderful photo and wonderful story.
Lol Sheila you make me laugh, thanks so much, so glad to share :)
– ApeArt
brilliant
Thanks!
– ApeArt