Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

People have become really obsessed with this 'hunky' gorilla (seriously)

His name is Shabani.

HE MIGHT LOOK like an ordinary gorilla, but Shabani is… handsome.

The 18-year-old silverback weighs around 180 kilograms (400 pounds), and has become the star attraction at Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Nagoya.

“He often rests his chin on his hands and looks intently at you,” zoo spokesman Takayuki Ishikawa told AFP.

He is more buff than most gorillas and he’s at his peak physically. We’ve seen a rise in the number of female visitors — women say he’s very good-looking.

He has been at the zoo since 2007, but became the campaign model for the zoo’s spring festival earlier this year.

“He’s a father and he always protects and looks over his children,” Ishikawa told AFP. “Zoo-goers think his kindness is attractive too.”

Women have described him as “ikemen” (or a ‘hunk’) online, and Japanese broadcasters have picked up on his social media fame.

A look at the hashtag #シャバーニ throws up thousands upon thousands of tweets about him.

His popularity has also led to the inevitable parody tweets…

- With additional reporting from AFP

Read: This mum’s body is inspiring women everywhere (but not why you think)>

Read: Want to prevent jet lag? Here’s the simple way to do it>

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
57 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds