WATCH: Gorilla smokes a cigarette in China zoo
Did you know? Gorillas share approximately 98% of their DNA with humans, making them some of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.
While gorillas share 98% of their DNA with humans, that’s not always something to brag about.
Given how poorly people often treat their own bodies and minds, it’s a little concerning that these primates are so closely related to us.
In March 2025, a video from Nanning Zoo in Guangxi, China, went viral. It showed a gorilla casually picking up a lit cigarette from its enclosure and puffing on it just like a human.
Although the gorilla's behaviour entertained viewers, it also raised ethical questions about animal welfare.
Watch the video from Instagram below.
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The gorilla’s eerily human-like behaviour shocked many. While we know these animals share our social instincts, like forming close family bonds, this moment felt different and deeply unnatural.
Nanning Zoo officials said they were aware of the incident and had launched an investigation. It’s believed that a visitor threw the cigarette into the enclosure.
According to Times Now, "The zoo assured the public it would strengthen management efforts and raise visitor awareness about animal protection to maintain order within the zoo.
"Additionally, the staff urged guests to behave responsibly during their visits and refrain from feeding or throwing objects at animals to prevent potential harm."
The video raised several other concerns, such as the zoo's responsibility to protect and maintain the animals' mental and physical health.
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Image courtesy of Instagram