SPREAD YOUR WINGS AND COME EXPLORING WITH ME

After we had climbed for more than three hours up very steep mountainous rain forest jungle in hot, humid and high-altitude conditions, we found we had inadvertently emerged directly within the midst of the gorilla troop. We had just started an unusually steep descent down a grassy covered cliff having to use three-point-touch and grabbing onto any large tuff of grass to stabilize our bodies when we heard the rifle touting range shout out, “Halt!” “Don’t move!” Though we had been instructed to stay at a safe distance of at least 20 yards, the largest female in the troop was only about four yards to my right. She had the only baby in the troop clinging tightly to her chest. This was a dangerous position, for this female was the matriarch, favorite of the silverback, and he would be extremely protective of her and her infant. The silverback was about ten yards off to my left. The remainder of the troop were scattered around us and above in the trees. After what seemed like a long time, though I’m sure it was only about five minutes, I glanced cautiously to my right. She was staring right at me! We had been instructed not to make eye contact, for it would be assumed to be a challenge, and not to smile showing teeth for it could be sensed as a snarl. My glance was quick, moving only my eyes without making any noticeable head movement, and in a docile bowed position. After a moment or two, I glanced to my left and saw the silverback was sitting on his hunches eating wild grape leaves while also looking directly at me! I’m told it was a rare and unique experience when she came forward towards me; the Ranger again called out urgently for me not to move. She punched me on the shoulder and went on past.