This rare footage gets up close and personal with a 400-pound ape.
Koga, a 35-year-old western lowland gorilla, has lived at upstate New York’s Buffalo Zoo since 2007 and undergoes a health examination every other year to make sure the big beast is in top shape.
“They take a look at his heart to check for heart disease, which can be common in these animals, as well as giving the rest of his body, including his teeth, eyes, joints and muscles, a once over,” Christan Dobosiewicz, the zoo employee who captured the footage, told Caters News about the annual check-up for the “very powerful” animal.
A team of veterinarians was brought in to subdue Koga for the inspection, and photos show the large animal — who weighs around 400 pounds — sleeping under anesthesia as the doctors examine him.
“It’s a big process and takes a big team to ensure everything goes smoothly,” Dobosiewicz said. “He is huge and can be a very dangerous animal, so it can be tense to begin with, but our team are remarkable.”
Gorillas typically stand between 4 to 6 feet tall and weigh up to 440 pounds, but are otherwise described as “gentle giants” that “display many human-like behaviors and emotions,” according to World Wild Life.
“The team are professional and always on the ball. It’s never nerve-wracking being in the room with them because I know how amazing they are at their job,” Dobosiewicz said.
One endearing photo shows Koga holding the hand of one of the medical experts as he sleeps through the procedure.
“It’s incredible to see the size of his hands and fingers. I put my hands up against his and it puts a lot of things into perspective,” said Dobosiewicz, who described Koga as a “very good father” to other primates at the zoo.
“It’s very cool to see how powerful and strong he is, as well as getting so close to such an interesting animal,” he said, adding that he responds well to keepers — even “playing with the kids” — and training sessions.
“He gives off mean looks but that’s his role as the protector.”
As for this year’s annual check-up, Dobosiewicz was able to offer some good news for the gorilla’s fans.
“Everything went well during the examination and Koga is as happy and healthy as ever,” he declared.