Gorilla breaks glass panel at San Diego Zoo habitat

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A 10-year-old western lowland gorilla at the San Diego Zoo broke a layer of protective glass in its enclosure on Saturday, zoo officials confirmed.

According to a statement from zoo, the incident occurred on Oct. 11, when the gorilla, named Denny, broke through one of three layers of tempered glass that separates the animal from zoo visitors in the gorilla forest habitat. Another gorilla was also in the compound at the time of the occurrence.

“Denny was not injured,” the zoo noted. “Both gorillas will be cared for behind the scenes until the panel has been replaced.”

Zoo officials emphasized that the glass panel consists of three protective layers, and only one was compromised. No guests or staff were harmed during the incident.

A timeline for when the gorilla habitat will reopen to the public was not immediately provided.

Western lowland gorillas, like Denny, are critically endangered species native to the forests of Central Africa. The San Diego Zoo is involved in conservation efforts to protect these primates and their natural habitat.

For more information, visit sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/species/gorilla.