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Video-mediated behavior in gorillas (G. g. gorilla): A stage in the development of self-recognition in a juvenile male?The anomalous position of gorillas (G. g. gorilla) in the capacity for self-recognition remains puzzling. The standard measure of self-recognition is Gallup’s (1970) mark test that assesses an individual’s ability to recognize its altered image in a mirror following the application of paint marks to visually inaccessible areas. Here, the results of a small-scale pilot study are presented, utilizing video playback through a television monitor, to examine behavioural differences indicative of developing self-recognition. The behaviors of four Western lowland gorillas at Bristol Zoo, UK were observed while watching a TV screen during five conditions: blank screen, white noise interference, footage of unfamiliar gorillas, self previously recorded, and self-live. Differences were predicted in the frequency of the gorillas’ observed behaviors when viewing each of the conditions: specifically, that there would be more visual inspection, contingent body and facial movements, and self-exploration in the self-recorded and self-live conditions compared to the other conditions. These predictions were partially supported. No agonistic or fear responses were observed and self-exploration was only seen in the self-live condition. During live playback, contingency-checking movements and self-exploration of the mouth were observed, particularly in the youngest gorilla, providing important video evidence of a close parallel to the mouth exploratory behavior witnessed in self-recognizing chimpanzees. On the basis of these preliminary findings of differentiated spontaneous behaviors, a tentative framework is proposed for categorizing gorillas according to levels of developing self-recognition along a continuum.
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The cerebral rainforest: How the aftermath of the discovery of the gorilla influenced literature and culture, and altered evolutionary understanding and racial theory in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries‘The Cerebral Rainforest’ is a study of the gorilla’s considerable influence in literature, culture and science in the Nineteenth and early Twentieth Centuries. It charts the gorilla’s troubled history with mankind and the thinning barriers between the two species – the title refers to the existence of a primal self, buried within in the human brain, which, in some of the works analysed in this dissertation, come to light when faced with gorillas or gorilla-like creatures, ultimately leaving us as wild and exposed as they are. It seeks to establish and understand the image built up around the gorilla during this time, and why it was – and has to some extent remained – a figure all at once terrifying and magnificent, unsettling in its proximity to us. It will engage with evolutionary and racial theories influenced by these animals. The dissertation is therefore divided into three primary chapters, along with an introduction and conclusion, which each deal with a primary focal point – the first chapter; ‘Deep Jungle’, deals with the initial discovery of the gorilla, Nineteenth Century accounts of hunting, the troubled figure of Paul du Chaillu and all those he influenced. The issues explored in this chapter will lead on to the second; ‘A World of Possibility’, which will focus on Nineteenth and early Twentieth Century speculative science fiction and fantasy. The third chapter; ‘The Inner Ape’, will explore the disturbing rise of scientific racism brought about by the breaking down of barriers between animal and human. Ultimately, the dissertation will explore the effect the gorilla had on humanity as a whole – and the unfortunate repercussions this double-edged relationship had on the gorilla.
