Page:Babyhood of Wild Beasts.djvu/179

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
BABY GORILLAS
143

for company. Now she is able to clamber over the foot of her bed and romp with the dogs. She holds her own with them in a rough-and-tumble scuffle.

Dinah loves children. She climbs on her window-sill and looks longingly at the youngsters. Then she beats her head on the windowpane to attract attention and waves her little hand in her most fetching manner. She has a kind, sweet disposition and is very affectionate to those she is acquainted with.

I am glad to be able to tell you of these pleasant incidents I've witnessed in Gorilla society because the Gorilla has a black reputation. He is known as the largest, fiercest and ugliest of apes. He is feared equally by animals and humans. His voice is peculiar and strikes terror to the bravest heart. It begins with a sharp, short bark, like an angry dog, then glides into a deep bass roll which resembles the roar of distant thunder.

In appearance he is the nearest approach to man of the apes. He is the only ape who walks erect without being taught and who spends a considerable time on the ground. In bulk he is