Gorilla Smashes Glass at San Diego Zoo, Narrowly Misses Visitor

On October 14, 2025, a terrifying incident occurred at the San Diego Zoo's gorilla enclosure. Katja Sutil, a visitor from Los Angeles, was enjoying her time at the exhibit when one of the massive apes, a 10-year-old western lowland gorilla named Denny, suddenly charged toward her, slamming his powerful fist into the glass. The impact left a deep, 6-foot crack just inches from Sutil's face.

"I was really shocked. It was terrifying," Sutil recounted. Prior to the outburst, Denny had been playfully fighting with another male gorilla, but his behavior quickly escalated. Zoo officials stated that such bursts of energy and charging are common for young male gorillas, especially during adolescence.

The San Diego Zoo has temporarily closed the gorilla exhibit to repair the damaged glass. This is not the first time a gorilla has damaged the protective barrier at the zoo; a similar incident occurred in 2020 when another ape engaged in a physical confrontation with a fellow gorilla. Adult male gorillas are known for their immense strength, capable of lifting up to 10 times their body weight.

The zoo's spokesperson assured that Denny was uninjured during the incident. However, the sudden and violent outburst has raised concerns about the safety of visitors at the exhibit. The San Diego Zoo remains committed to its gorilla conservation efforts, including its work in the Ebo Forest in Cameroon, but this latest incident serves as a stark reminder of the power and unpredictability of these endangered animals.