Deep in the dense rainforest of Gabon, a team of wildlife researchers placed a large mirror near a path often used by gorillas. Their goal was to observe the animals’ reactions to their reflections — especially the silverback, the troop’s powerful leader named Kuba.
Kuba was a dominant and proud silverback, known for his strength and intelligence. When he first noticed the strange object by the trail, he slowed down and stared. The shiny surface made him pause, but he didn’t approach. He kept his head turned slightly, using his peripheral vision to monitor the strange “intruder” standing in front of him.
It was his reflection.
But Kuba didn’t seem to understand. Without looking directly at the mirror, he grunted, thumped his chest, and even pounded the ground with his fists — all classic signs of a territorial warning.
The reflection mimicked his every move.
This only made Kuba more suspicious. Still refusing to make direct eye contact, he began circling the mirror, trying to intimidate the “stranger” without giving it the power of a full glance. He even charged once — stopping just short of the glass — and huffed loudly.
After several minutes of confused dominance displays and side glances, Kuba eventually lost interest. With a final grunt, he turned and walked off, leaving the mirror untouched, his pride (mostly) intact.
The researchers laughed softly. It was a funny and fascinating moment: a powerful silverback attempting to scare off his own reflection — without ever fully looking at it.
