Introducing: Mountain Gorilla

I am big. I am tough. I am very strong and very large. My coat shines, and my face is clear.

(Interpreter’s Note: He paused for a while here, presumably to chew the large mouthful of roots he had, but I suspect he was thinking about how much he was ready to tell me.)

You say that none of the other gorillas will hear about this?

Alright, here we go then. Yes, I am big and tough. Strong. Large.

But I am not ready for this.

What have I gotten myself into? “You could be boss”, they said. “Go on, you can take him!” they said.

I am going to challenge the resident Silverback. I am not sure when, but probably soon. I could barely keep my leaves down today. I threw some fallen logs to let out the agitation, but just succeeded in angering some nearby wasps.

I can’t take this anymore. He’s old, sure, but he is powerful! Who am I to challenge him?

Oh, but the ladies…they have been so encouraging. They are all tired of his leadership, and they chose me. Me! They want me to fight him for the right to lead the troop. Yes, this is what I should dwell on, rather than thoughts of getting my head smashed like a bad piece of fruit. Oh dear, this is not working at all. Ladies. Think of the ladies.

The old Silverback is weakening in health. It is obvious. His mind does not think quickly. I left my group of bachelors and have been following this group for some time now. The young ones, the females without young have been coming to visit me. They have told me much about the old Silverback. They want me instead.

I will keep you updated. You should leave me, so I do not smell too much of human. No ladies would dare come near me then.