Shabani, a western lowland gorilla, has become a sensation on social media and a star attraction at a Japanese zoo. His handsome features, muscular physique, and caring personality have won him many admirers, especially among young women.
Shabani’s journey from the Netherlands to Japan
Shabani was born in Apenheul Primate Park in the Netherlands on October 20, 1996. His father is Kibabu, a dominant silverback, and his mother is Mouila, who was born to wild parents in Cameroon. Shabani was raised by his mother until he was two years old, when he was transferred to Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia. There, he lived with his half-brother, Kibali, and other gorillas in a spacious enclosure.
In 2007, Shabani moved to Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Nagoya, Japan, as part of a breeding program. He was paired with two older females, Nene and Ai, who became his wives. Shabani fathered two sons, Kiyomasa and Annie, who were born in 2009 and 2012, respectively. Shabani is a devoted and protective father, who often plays with his sons and carries them on his back.
Shabani’s rise to fame and popularity
Shabani first caught the attention of the public in 2007, when he was featured in a photo album published by the zoo. His striking looks and expressive eyes captivated many people, who bought the album and visited the zoo to see him in person. Shabani’s popularity soared in 2015, when photos and videos of him went viral on social media. Many users commented on his handsome appearance, calling him “ikemen” (hot guy) and “metrosexual”. Some even compared him to celebrities like George Clooney and Hugh Jackman.
Shabani’s charm also attracted a large number of female visitors to the zoo, who often shouted his name and tried to get his attention. The zoo had to put up signs to remind visitors to be quiet and respectful around the gorillas. Shabani’s fame also boosted the zoo’s attendance and revenue, as well as the awareness and conservation of gorillas.
Shabani has become a cultural phenomenon in Japan, inspiring various products and media. For example, he has appeared on Valentine’s Day chocolates, arm pillows, T-shirts, and manga. He has also been featured in documentaries, commercials, and songs. Shabani has even been named as one of the most influential animals in the world by Time magazine in 2016.
Shabani’s personality and lifestyle
Shabani is not only good-looking, but also intelligent, gentle, and charismatic. He is the leader of his group of gorillas, and he maintains peace and harmony among them. He is also curious and playful, and he enjoys interacting with visitors and zoo staff. He likes to pose for the cameras, showing off his muscles and teeth. He also likes to swim, climb, and swing on ropes.
Shabani lives in a large and naturalistic enclosure, where he has access to trees, rocks, water, and grass. He also has an indoor area, where he can rest and sleep. He eats a variety of fruits, vegetables, and leaves, as well as some nuts and seeds. He weighs about 180 kg (28 stone), and he stands about 170 cm (5 ft 7 in) tall.
Shabani is currently 27 years old, which is equivalent to about 40 human years. He is expected to live up to 50 years in captivity, which is longer than the average lifespan of gorillas in the wild. Shabani is healthy and happy, and he continues to charm and inspire people around the world.
