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Why Is This Toddler Playing in a Gorilla Cage? And Why Is There Video?

Sep. 17, 2012 10:35am

TheBlaze has brought you recent viral videos of young children bravely standing up to wild zoo animals separated by only Plexiglass. Now, a 22-year-old video showing an 18-month-old playing in an enclosed gorilla pen has been released by a parent and it’s sparking controversy. But why now?

According to the Daily Mail, Damian Aspinall knew some would be upset with the video he decided to release decades later because “with the Internet, it is different.” His decision to make public this family footage is in an effort to show how “gentle and wonderful and noble these animals are.”

Damian Aspinall Releases 22 Year Old Video Showing 18 Month Old Daughter Playing 300 Pound Gorilla

(Image: YouTube screenshot)

ABC 15 out of Arizona says the video has left some parents “horrified” over the child’s safety, even years later. Some of the negative comments about the footage posted on YouTube include:

  • “This is too sick, I don’t even have the words! I am really can’t believe how many people think this is ok!” — dawnmom41
  • “I think this chap is taking a serious risk with his child.” — MrMrBilko
  • “Child endangerment!” — fransisco8104

Other comments defend the relationship between the toddler and the gorilla, calling it a beautiful video and privilege and a great experience for the girl.

Damian Aspinall Releases 22 Year Old Video Showing 18 Month Old Daughter Playing 300 Pound Gorilla

(Image: YouTube screenshot)

Damian Aspinall Releases 22 Year Old Video Showing 18 Month Old Daughter Playing 300 Pound Gorilla

(Image: YouTube screenshot)

Watch the video for yourself:

As a toddler, Tansy, who is now 23, grew up among the grounds of Howletts Wild Animal Park in the United Kingdom. The video shows her playing in the straw with a 300-pound gorilla next to her.

The Daily Mail says the now-adult Tansy understands how some may find the video “quite shocking” and says it’s because they were conditioned to see gorillas “in that King Kong kind of way.”

But Tansy shares the hopes of her father that the video will show people how docile and “human-like” the gorillas can be.

“I don’t have any of the fear of gorillas that people normally have,” Tansy told the Daily Mail. “I just feel love and warmth. Of all the  animals, gorillas are my favourite. And that’s because they were always something I went in with as a child. I remember them being so gentle –  they almost treated me as if I was one of their own little babies.”

Gorillas were not the only exotic animal at Aspinall’s park. Aspinall and his father before him worked with tigers, wolves, leopards, bears and other animals, according to the Daily Mail. Upon his father’s death, Aspinall established a foundation — the Aspinall Foundation — that would put animals bred in captivity back into the wild. The Daily Mail reports that 139 gorillas, 33 black rhinos and 20 African elephants have been bred as part of the foundation’s work to be released in Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Aspinall said to the Daily Mail that while he would let his children play with the gorillas, he would not allow them to be in cages with some of the animals listed above, making note that for him gorillas are different than say an adult tiger.

Some of animals in Aspinall’s park have shown their dangerous side in the past. The Daily Mail reports two incidences of tiger killings in 1980 and 1994. It also reports in 1989 a chimp ripping off the arm of a 2-year-old who had reached into the cage.

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Comments (88)

1 2
  • YourVoiceMatters
    Posted on September 17, 2012 at 12:39pm

    “there is a way which seems right to man and the end thereof is destruction…”
    for all of mans lofty ideals: if i could talk to the animals
    if i could live in peace with them…
    all would be well with the world!
    They could teach us so much! Right!
    Dare I say where is the dire need?
    Being a good custodian of the animal kingdom is one thing
    but moving in too closely is fool hardy to the nth degree!
    To put your child in such a place of possible risk is irresponsible!
    Horrifically so and likely putting yourself on par with God
    as being all knowing when you are obviously NOT!
    Possibly this is a delusional disorder!
    Well intentions can lead people to do things that put themselves in harms way
    even to their own death! sadly..
    Is there some greater good, some lofty knowledge to be gained from this?
    In ones own thinking possibly, but NOT Really.
    I know we can become so confident in our own capabilities
    we can do wondrous things but it is all mental assent and
    sheer luck to not have suffered a catastrophe thus far!
    I used to think there was something to it
    but now i think it is more or less
    how curious or docile the animal is
    at any given moment which can change in an instant
    if something is amiss in the animals temper on any given day!
    Please consider the worst first
    before you subject your beloved children!
    Then think how your children would feel growing up without you!

    Report this comment

    YourVoiceMatters  
  • breakobamanow
    Posted on September 17, 2012 at 12:35pm

    Genesis 1:28 (KJV)
    And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

    Did you not know God gave man dominion over all the animals? Animals can sense fear. When you have faith and are without fear, they fear you, (man). Did you not know that when God’s kingdom comes to earth that all animals will be like this? Children will play with lions, serpents (the asp) etc…

    God is in control in case you were wondering why this child was not harmed. People of faith understand God’s word and therefore fear nothing. Have you heard Daniel was thrown into a den with lions and was not harmed, yet when his accusers were, they were torn to pieces?

    This proves the Bible, just saying. I wish more people would repent and study the word of God the posts here would be much different. I have heard testimoney that brought tears running down my face over God’s word and how these things are revealed to those who believe, and the protection he promises. People would rather trust in their on vain imaginations than the simple words of God the creator of all things. I love you, God bless you.

    Report this comment

    breakobamanow  
  • jeffile
    Posted on September 17, 2012 at 12:29pm

    Yes, gorillas are docile but like any other animal they have their do’s and don’t's which are taught to the young from day 1. If someone had placed food in the enclosure and the baby attempted to be the first to eat then the result could be disastrous.

    Report this comment

    jeffile  
    • The_Jerk
      Posted on September 17, 2012 at 12:33pm

      It’s a Darwinian world. Sadly our medical community is reversing that natural law.

      Report this comment

      The_Jerk  
    • Balpit
      Posted on September 17, 2012 at 7:01pm

      Gorillas are usually shy and gentle, but like any animal, they can be provoked.
      If that was a chimp in there, it would likely have been a horrifying and tragic end.

      Report this comment

      Balpit  
    • QuincySmith
      Posted on September 18, 2012 at 1:39pm

      Jerk;
      “It’s a Darwinian world. Sadly our medical community is reversing that natural law.” ~~~ What does that mean? Darwin created a THEORY – do you, therefore, claim we live in a theoretical world? How is the medical community reversing natural law? Your post makes absolutely no sense.

      Report this comment

      QuincySmith  
  • right field
    Posted on September 17, 2012 at 12:18pm

    Art and science imitates life!
    There are some commenter’s here that need to be studied – perhaps caged as well.
    Most Americans are already “caged” by our Federal Government. How nice of the Marxist to care for us and take care of us and give us a nice “cage”, food, health care and union sponsored education. We are blessed to have our wonderful government to take care of us and teach us how gentle and compassionate the bureaucracy can be – We love our “cage” and hope that our keeper Obama will get re-elected so we never have to risk being alive and free!
    How ”gentle and wonderful and noble these Marxist are.”

    Report this comment

    right field  
  • joe.r.piehole
    Posted on September 17, 2012 at 11:49am

    Still better parenting than sending your child to a Creationism-teaching school.

    Report this comment

    joe.r.piehole  
    • walnutportconservative
      Posted on September 17, 2012 at 12:19pm

      Joe,
      How many children do you have and what schools have you choosen for them… and on who’s dime?

      Report this comment

      walnutportconservative  
    • PutMoreOnMyPlate
      Posted on September 17, 2012 at 2:44pm

      Must… not… feed…. argh! Why does it always have to be an argument over your stupid dead theory? Creationism could open more doors in science than random variables being random.

      PutMoreOnMyPlate  
    • Face...Palm
      Posted on September 18, 2012 at 10:16am

      Joe! the keyboard warrior!

      Report this comment

      Face...Palm  
  • perry1980
    Posted on September 17, 2012 at 11:43am

    Bad Parenting.

    Report this comment

    perry1980  
  • gspaul08
    Posted on September 17, 2012 at 11:40am

    Ok. As an adult will you get in a cage with a Gorilla? Would you put your child in a cage with a Gorilla?

    Report this comment

    gspaul08  
    • joe.r.piehole
      Posted on September 17, 2012 at 11:51am

      You’re asking blaze readers if they would get in a cage with a gorilla. None of these people understand science and could care less about animal behavior, other than the animals they kill for sport. Obviously this story defies common sense. However, those that are governed solely by common sense are imbeciles and fools, and they are all over theblaze.

      Report this comment

      joe.r.piehole  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on September 17, 2012 at 1:24pm

      I wouldn’t mind putting Joe Blowhole in a cage with a gorilla.

      Report this comment

      Gonzo  
    • usedCZARsalesman
      Posted on September 17, 2012 at 1:38pm

      “those that are governed solely by common sense are imbeciles and fools”

      Huh?

      Report this comment

      usedCZARsalesman  
    • Stelex
      Posted on September 17, 2012 at 1:41pm

      Joe R Piehole……May I call you Joe……I just like saying Joe R Piehole., Joe R Piehole just rolls out of my mouth. Joe R Piehole. Oh yeah and your an a…. Cool name though, very appropriate. Joe R Piehole. Wyle E Cyote super genius…….Joe R Piehole whatan A…

      Report this comment

      Stelex  
    • Stelex
      Posted on September 17, 2012 at 1:46pm

      @Used, I thought the same thing man, I’m still laughin

      Report this comment

      Stelex  
    • joe.r.piehole
      Posted on September 17, 2012 at 1:54pm

      Idiots think that “common sense” is capable of explaining the world around them. It was once common sense that the world was flat, and that Earth was at the center of the universe. See how it is foolish to allow “common sense” to guide your worldview? No. You don’t. Because you are blaze readers, and fully incapable of critical thinking. Fools.

      Report this comment

      joe.r.piehole  
    • K Chad Roberts
      Posted on September 17, 2012 at 1:54pm

      Joe,

      I am a scientist and engineer at a national laboratory. Scientific understanding isn’t exclusive to one party. If you wanted to bring out facts, however, several polls have shown that Republicans have a better general understanding of scientific principles than Democrats. The primary reason? The average Republican is better educated than the average Democrat… while scientists are overwhelmingly Democrat, republicans as a whole are more aware of the fundamental principles.

      And Joe, since you imply that you have a solid understanding of science than the average person, you don’t need me to explain to you that those polls that ask about hot button issues are inadequate at covering the polled persons understanding of fundamental scientific facts.

      Report this comment

      K Chad Roberts  
    • Stelex
      Posted on September 17, 2012 at 2:07pm

      So you are a critical thinker……really……ya sure about that Joe. Critical think of something right now.

      Report this comment

      Stelex  
    • Atrain1966
      Posted on September 17, 2012 at 2:23pm

      Joe, You mean ” Couldn’t care less” Not ” could care less”. Just saying

      Report this comment

      Atrain1966  
    • usedCZARsalesman
      Posted on September 17, 2012 at 2:53pm

      “critical think of something right now” LOL…that’s good stuff

      Report this comment

      usedCZARsalesman  
    • Chet Hempstead
      Posted on September 17, 2012 at 3:31pm

      It depends on the gorilla. An adult human could be just as dangerous to a small child as a gorilla. If you’ve known it for a long time, you can judge the character of a gorilla as accurately as that of a human.

      Report this comment

      Chet Hempstead  
    • bgotts27
      Posted on September 17, 2012 at 6:02pm

      Joe, did you really do that?

      Did you read an article on The Blaze, then comment on the article, and then belittle Blaze readers as being imbeciles?

      Report this comment

      bgotts27  
    • OlderCowGirl
      Posted on September 18, 2012 at 5:40pm

      I think Joe-piehole-the Dem is a conservative in “drag”. A Libertarian wanna-be. That’s why he visits The Blaze so often.

      Report this comment

      OlderCowGirl  
    • WATER-THE-TREE
      Posted on September 18, 2012 at 11:25pm

      JOE posted….. Because you are blaze readers, and fully incapable of critical thinking. Fools….. Joe I guess you just are not smart enough to realize that YOU ARE A BLAZE READER TOO!!!

      Report this comment

      WATER-THE-TREE  
  • 48Straight
    Posted on September 17, 2012 at 11:21am

    Why is “The Blaze” turning into readers digest? All the stuff going on in the world and all the Blaze reports is garbage.

    Meanwhile headlines over at Drudge:
    LIBYAN OFFICIAL WARNED USA ’3 DAYS BEFORE ATTACK’…
    Ambassador Rice: Attack Spontaneous…
    Libyan president: ‘Completely unfounded and preposterous’…
    Video Purports To Show US Ambassador Dragged; Cheers From Crowd…
    Pakistanis Try to Storm U.S. Outpost; 1 Killed…
    POLITICO: Romney campaign infighting… DEM CONVENTION SETBACK IN HOST STATE: ROMNEY +6 IN NORTH CAROLINA… ‘Occupy’ To Hit 40 ‘Corporate Targets’ For Anniversary Protests…
    Disguised In ‘Business Attire’…
    Plans to Surround NYSE…
    4 US soldiers die in weekend ‘insider’ attacks in Afghanistan… Sudan rejects U.S. request to send Marines to guard embassy…
    Israel: America ignored Arab wrath…
    Ryan Criticizes Obama on Foreign Policy…

    Not that you would know any of this if you read “The Blaze” tabloid.

    I thought “The Blaze” was set up to disseminate information important to us that follow Glen Beck, not Lady Gaga.

    Report this comment

    48Straight  
    • watersRpeople
      Posted on September 17, 2012 at 11:29am

      Sounds like you’re up on your news. Is it a big deal if the Blaze side-tracks once in a while to show people the rampant decay of America?

      Report this comment

      watersRpeople  
    • watersRpeople
      Posted on September 17, 2012 at 11:30am

      And the very well along decay of Britain and Europe?

      Report this comment

      watersRpeople  
    • G.E.R
      Posted on September 17, 2012 at 11:54am

      The Blaze is 10 steps below The National Enquirer. The fact you’re able to read this article is amazing.

      Report this comment

      G.E.R  
    • Stelex
      Posted on September 17, 2012 at 1:50pm

      If you’d like to read the same thing twice, just go back to the beginning. There ya go

      Report this comment

      Stelex  
  • Apple Bite
    Posted on September 17, 2012 at 11:20am

    Planet of the Apes……
    Isn’t this how it all started?

    Report this comment

    Apple Bite  
  • watersRpeople
    Posted on September 17, 2012 at 11:19am

    “Amy hungry.” Oh yes Amy, so is that Leopard over there.

    Report this comment

    watersRpeople  
  • Angeltoo
    Posted on September 17, 2012 at 11:19am

    Lets get something straight. Gorillas have not only EATEN baby gorillas, but they have cannibalized EACH OTHER (grown gorillas) in a fight to proof their superiority. Please do not be fooled. This video is NOT okay.

    Report this comment

    Angeltoo  
    • watersRpeople
      Posted on September 17, 2012 at 11:33am

      Sounds like people too doesn’t it? Having certain friends only who can help you get ahead in life, Cannibalizing each other, abortions, and people even eat babies.

      Report this comment

      watersRpeople  
    • joe.r.piehole
      Posted on September 17, 2012 at 12:02pm

      Water, where are people eating babies? It would take a serious lapse in mental capacity to say that human behavior today is more barbaric than it was 100 years ago, 200 years ago, or 2000 years ago.

      We progress. People like you try to stop that, because you are scared and foolish. But we, as a species, progress.

      Report this comment

      joe.r.piehole  
    • Elena2010
      Posted on September 17, 2012 at 12:38pm

      Joe — that we humans progress is the same myth that the Enlightenment thru the Victorian Era in the West tried to sell.

      World War I proved that humans are still just as savage as they have ever been.

      The Middle East is again proving the same.

      We are still the same humans that moved out of caves into mansions. Our basic heart and will remain unchanged.

      Report this comment

      Elena2010  
  • watersRpeople
    Posted on September 17, 2012 at 11:12am

    Gorilla’s also engage sometimes in gay activity, and eating their young, but hey let your child be next to a 300 lb gorilla. They also travel in packs called troops, that’s why I don’t care much for the Boy Scouts of America.

    Report this comment

    watersRpeople  
  • badswing
    Posted on September 17, 2012 at 11:11am

    there are people who deal in reality and there are people that don’t. to risk someone else’s life while doing the later just isn’t fair.

    Report this comment

    badswing  
  • watersRpeople
    Posted on September 17, 2012 at 11:09am

    I notice no one seems to mention that gorilla’s will often make a meal out of baby gorilla’s and that’s why they are directly with the mother the first few weeks.

    Report this comment

    watersRpeople  
  • Jenny Lind
    Posted on September 17, 2012 at 11:07am

    ooops to quick to hit post, I meant to add I think her father was playing Russian Roulette with his daughters life. If he was wrong what would he be saying now?

    Report this comment

    Jenny Lind  
  • Jenny Lind
    Posted on September 17, 2012 at 11:06am

    As nice as animals can be, and I love my dogs dearly, they have teeth, and qickness I do not have. I never forget what they are, while not worrying about my relationship with them, I always watch carefully when a stranger comes in their territory.

    Report this comment

    Jenny Lind  
  • sldjulius
    Posted on September 17, 2012 at 11:03am

    This guy was not being entirely honest about how he has no fear of gorillas with his baby. He obviously knows lots about gorillas and that’s the reason he is only letting her play with the FEMALE gorillas, who would very rarely hurt a baby intentionally. If she was introduced to a real family pod with males and other females with babies, there would be a very real danger of her being killed.

    Report this comment

    sldjulius  
  • Lone Ranger
    Posted on September 17, 2012 at 10:59am

    Where was all this horrified outrage when a gorilla saved a boy who fell into her enclosure? Gorillas ARE gentle giants unless cruelly provoked.

    Report this comment

    Lone Ranger  
  • watersRpeople
    Posted on September 17, 2012 at 10:56am

    oh come on it’s just Ishmael the talking Gorilla, lighten up.

    Report this comment

    watersRpeople  
  • G.E.R
    Posted on September 17, 2012 at 10:54am

    I think this video is awesome. F@#K the people who leave bad comments.

    Report this comment

    G.E.R  
  • BasketFullOfPuppies
    Posted on September 17, 2012 at 10:54am

    I’m a rancher. I work with cattle, what most people would consider to be the least dangerous animal in the world. But, whenever I am in the pastures with them, I am always aware that these animals can kill me. Those gorillas can be very nice, I am sure. But, if you are unwilling to believe that these animals can kill you, that may be the last thought that goes through your mind. One more thing. You don’t speak animal. You don’t know what might offend them. You don’t know what they are thinking. You might think you do. But, that will get you killed, too.

    Report this comment

    BasketFullOfPuppies  
    • countryfirst
      Posted on September 17, 2012 at 11:12am

      Do you have copy right?, I may want to send your thoughts to the current administration but replace cattle & gorilla with Muslim brotherhood.

      Report this comment

      countryfirst  
    • Wool-Free Vision
      Posted on September 17, 2012 at 11:49am

      ZING! Very well said, CountryFirst!

      Report this comment

      Wool-Free Vision  
  • Detroit paperboy
    Posted on September 17, 2012 at 10:51am

    It’s all fun and games until it eats your face off in about thirty seconds………

    Report this comment

    Detroit paperboy  
  • JustJason
    Posted on September 17, 2012 at 10:50am

    Liberal tard.

    When a new dominate male is established, he destroys the off spring of the previous dominate male thus putting in heat the females for his new line. Guess he was counting on that primate not being confused. Sort of like when female animals attack women on talk shows because of the scent of their ******. Ignorance…

    Report this comment

    JustJason  
  • moreteaplease
    Posted on September 17, 2012 at 10:43am

    His decision to make public this family footage is in an effort to show how ”gentle and wonderful and noble these animals are.”
    ————————————-
    Let’s not forget “unpredictable”

    Report this comment

    moreteaplease  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on September 17, 2012 at 10:39am

    “But Tansy shares the hopes of her father that the video will show people how docile and “human-like” the gorillas can be.”
    Be grateful the video doesn’t show that wild animals are never to be confused with pets Tansy.

    Report this comment

    Gonzo  
1 2

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