Gorilla Dad Melts Hearts As Cheeky Son Climbs All Over Him Ahead Of Father’s Day

This is the moment a patient silverback gorilla played the perfect dad as his mischievous little son climbed all over him at a zoo in Austria.

The tender scenes were filmed at Zoo Schmiding in Krenglbach, near Wels, in the Austrian state of Upper Austria.

Footage shows silverback Awembe lying on a rock as his nearly two-year-old son Jabari clambers down from the boulders above him.

The youngster then leaps onto his dad and scrambles around on top of him as Awembe appears to laugh before lying back and calmly watching his little boy play.

A second clip shows Awembe standing by a rope while a female gorilla chews on sticks nearby.

Jabari can be seen climbing on the rope before dropping down onto his dad, apparently knowing he is in a safe pair of hands.

The youngster then hilariously stands upright, tries to look like the big man, and thumps his chest.

Seconds later, Jabari drops dramatically into Awembe’s lap, again appearing to prompt a reaction from the patient silverback.

Zoo Schmiding said the father-and-son bond between Awembe and Jabari has been delighting keepers and visitors.

The zoo said Jabari often seeks out his father, climbing on him, cuddling up to him, cheekily nudging him, or trying to tempt him into a playful wrestling match.

Awembe, however, responds with remarkable calm and patience.

The powerful silverback not only tolerates the little gorilla’s teasing, but also appears to enjoy the closeness, gently pulling Jabari towards him or starting to play with him.

Keepers said many silverbacks react more cautiously when youngsters become too pushy and will keep them at a distance, more or less gently.

That makes Awembe’s caring behaviour all the more striking.

Zoo biologist Daniela Artmann said: “This behaviour really cannot be taken for granted.

“Of course, the silverback always plays an important role in a gorilla group, as he is the protector and leader.

“But often this is shown through more forceful behaviour. The fact that Awembe allows so much physical contact and playful interaction is not something you see in every male gorilla.”

Jabari also watches Awembe closely and often tries to copy his dad, whether by beating his chest, carrying branches, or simply lazing around.

The zoo said the touching scenes between father and son have been especially moving for many visitors around the upcoming Father’s Day this month (June).

Zoo Schmiding added that its Meet the Keeper stations over the Father’s Day weekend will focus specially on the fatherly roles played by different animals.

(Aloysius Fernades/Newsflash)