January 9, 2017

The animal kingdom never ceases to delight as can be seen in the numerous documentary films masterfully created by BBC, Discovery Channel and National Geographic.

Now, an Israeli zookeeper’s extraordinarily low-budget video of a first meeting between a penguin and two gorillas is winning over thousands of fans.

The filmed interaction is comical and exciting to watch. The gorillas go ape over seeing the penguin and the flightless bird is equally enthralled by them.

Orr the penguin was born at the Zoological Center Tel Aviv-Ramat Gan  (better known as the Safari) four months ago. As part of the process of acclimating him, a zookeeper takes Orr for morning walks around the Safari before human visitors arrive.

On one recent winter morning, Orr happened upon the gorilla enclosure. Lisha, an eight-year-old ape, and Anya, a nine-year-old silverback, were near the window when Orr appeared. It was the first time they had ever seen a penguin.

At first viewers see their surprised reaction. Then, obviously taking a page from how human visitors try to get their attention, the gorillas hit the window to try and get Orr to look their way.

The penguin is equally animated, flapping his wings and shaking his tail at Lisha and Anya.

Some 1,600 animals from across the globe call the Ramat Gan Safari their home.

The video is just over one minute in length but nonetheless hypnotizing. You’ll want to watch it more than once.

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