A family of two gorillas in a lush forest setting during what appears to be late spring or summer, with dense green foliage and light suggesting mid-morning or afternoon. 3:16
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Silverback dad turns into a jungle gym

This silverback has ruled his group of 14 gorillas for six years, and he is in the prime of his life. His little ones treat him mostly as something to climb. more

He lives in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The park is home to many kinds of animals, and he's one of its giants. For the moment, though, his only job is to hold still.

His young ones climb on him and jump off. They swing from him, bounce on him like a trampoline and pound on him like a drum. There's no escape for him, and he puts up with all of it without a flicker of temper.

Then a little one swings in and smacks him square in the face. People bring this part up again and again, partly because it's funny and partly because of what he does next, which is nothing at all. An animal that big could end the game with one swat. He lets it go on.

A family of two gorillas in a lush forest setting during what appears to be late spring or summer, with dense green foliage and light suggesting mid-morning or afternoon. The headline runs in white letters across the lower third.Save
This silverback has ruled his group of 14 gorillas for six years, and he is in the prime of his life.

Later, he stretches out on the ground with one of his young and hugs the little one close. He looks calm and content, like a dad who has finally been allowed to lie down. Plenty of people call this quiet stretch the best part.

His patience may be more than good nature. Research suggests that for a leading male gorilla, success takes more than loud shows of strength. He's strong, but he is gentle too, and even playful. The females in his group seem to find that softer side hard to resist.

Gorillas are famous for being fierce. This one, in a clip from Nature on PBS, lets kids be kids, and when they're done playing, he lets them stay close.