Gorilla Frightens Visitor At Franklin Park Zoo

BOSTON (CBS) - A visitor got a little bit more than he bargained for at the Franklin Park Zoo this weekend.

Mark McDonald was watching Okie, a 23-year-old Silverback western lowland gorilla, Saturday afternoon when Okie suddenly pounded his chest and jumped right into the protective glass window separating him from visitors.

He didn't break the glass and no one was hurt.

"This behavior occurs in the wild and is a way of claiming certain territorial boundaries. Periodically, Okie will demonstrate this natural behavior," zoo spokeswoman Erin DeVito told WBZ-TV in a statement.

"He has also learned that he can evoke a response from the guests. The exhibit was specifically designed with space so that if the gorilla wants to be out of public viewing, they can be."