Picture of Gorilla Discovered Knitting at National Zoo: Fact Check

Story:

Gorilla Discovered Knitting at National Zoo

Other Versions

Awesome photo of a gorilla knitting

Fact Check:

An interesting picture message doing rounds on social media and image sharing websites purports to show a Gorilla Discovered Knitting a Scarf at National Zoo. The picture is in fact popular and circulating online since at least 2016. Nonetheless, the stories about the Gorilla knitting a scarf for itself are not true.

Is the Gorilla Discovered Knitting a Scarf?

The picture in question appears to show a Gorilla ape sitting against a tree and doing the woolly work of knitting a scarf for itself. The picture appeared on many image sharing websites, where some suggested Gorillas can even learn to do the same. Interestingly, the story surfaced online earlier in April 2016. Accordingly, a crafty staff member accidentally left balls of yarn and needles in the gorilla enclosure. It is said the zookeepers were stunned to find that the resident gorilla Penny had successfully managed to cast on and knit half a scarf.

The fact of the matter is – the story appeared on April fool’s Day – as a prank. The gorilla was not discovered knitting a scarf at National Zoo. The photograph is actually a photoshopped one. The original one simply shows the gorilla holding a photograph of another incoming Gorilla.

Original picture of Gorilla holding a photograph of another incoming Gorilla

To prepare three adult female gorillas in ZSL London Zoo, the keepers gave each a picture preview of new mate. The female Gorilla, 10-year-old Mjukuu was holding the picture as if she was reading a newspaper. Reportedly, another female gorilla became emotional, held the photograph close to her chest – and then ate it.

Picture of Another female Gorilla holding the photograph closely — Another female Gorilla holding the photograph closely

So, the message showing picture of Gorilla discovered knitting a Scarf at National Zoo is just a prank which keeps surfacing often. It appeared on April fool’s day in 2019 also.