Why Are Gorillas Committing Mob Violence?

By Ed Yong

It started with a scream.

It either came from a fleeing gorilla named Inshuti, or from the three males who were chasing him. Whatever the case, seconds later, Inshuti was on the ground, surrounded by a mob of 25 other gorillas. They pinned him down by his arms and legs. They screamed and grunted as they bit, kicked, and hit him. They pulled out chunks of his hair. The biggest of the attacking silverbacks repeatedly sank his teeth into Inshuti’s body and shook his head, like a dog with a bone.

Four minutes later, the mob dispersed silently and Inshuti slunk away. His injuries were severe, but he survived.

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