Harry’s game isn’t all monkey business

IT’S a sentiment which another Harry, the regal male gorilla at Dublin Zoo, would no doubt endorse.

One of the finest primate facilities to be found in any zoo has been provided for his troop in Dublin. You’d think he would be pleased!

The other gorillas were ecstatic when they moved to it but Harry was suspicious and resentful. At the opening ceremony on September 29, the warmest day of the year, he sulked indoors. Was he jealous President McAleese was the focus of attention? Not at all, says zoo director Leo Oosterweghel. Gorillas hate the limelight. Harry was exhibiting ‘conservative bias’, a reaction found among top dogs, animal and humans, everywhere. If you rule the roost, the last thing you want is a change to the status quo; all paths from the top of the pile lead downwards.