World Gorilla Day

World Gorilla Day, celebrated on September 24, reminds us of the importance of protecting gorillas, who are our closest relatives after chimpanzees. This day calls on people to take action to help gorillas, guided by international agreements like the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals.

In the past, gorillas have been misunderstood and shown negatively, especially in Western culture. One big example of this is the 1933 movie King Kong, where gorillas were portrayed as violent and scary. But in reality, gorillas are gentle creatures, similar to bonobos and smaller chimpanzees.

Where Did the Name ‘Gorilla’ Come From?

The word ‘gorilla’ was first used in 1847 by two people—Thomas Staughton Savage, a doctor, and Jeffries Wyman, a naturalist. They studied a gorilla specimen in Liberia and gave it this name. The word ‘gorilla’ is believed to come from stories told by Hanno, an ancient explorer who described “wild men” with hairy bodies that he saw on the West African coast.

Hanno’s Journey

Hanno was a military commander from Carthage in the 5th century BC, who sailed along the West African coast. In his writings, called the Periplus of Hanno, he talked about an island where he saw creatures called ‘gorillai’. Scholars today are unsure if Hanno was describing humans or gorillas, and the truth of his stories is still debated.

Modern Interpretations and Concerns

Some researchers today think that Hanno’s “gorillai” might have been gorillas. However, there are concerns about how these creatures were treated, raising questions about the way humans and animals were viewed in the past, and how these old stories affect our views today.

The Legacy of World Gorilla Day

World Gorilla Day encourages us to learn more about gorillas and work to protect them. It helps counter old misconceptions and celebrates the true nature of these amazing, peaceful, and intelligent animals. Learning about their history and cultural significance also gives us a deeper understanding of both gorillas and the way humans have interacted with them over time.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2024

Category: Important Days & Events Current Affairs