San Diego Zoo gorilla Denny cracks three-layer viewing glass panel

A 10-year-old western lowland gorilla at the San Diego Zoo struck and cracked one layer of a three-layer tempered glass viewing panel in the zoo's gorilla forest habitat on Saturday, Oct. 11, zoo officials said. The animal, identified by the zoo as Denny, and a second gorilla in the enclosure were removed from public view and will be cared for behind the scenes while the damaged panel is replaced. No visitors, staff or animals were injured, officials said.

Video shared on social media showed Denny running at the glass and striking it, prompting audible gasps from onlookers. Witnesses described a large crack that extended several feet across the pane. "He hit it with his elbow or forearm, like right in the glass directly in front of my face," said visitor Katya Sutil, who said she fell back after the blow and watched the gorilla make direct eye contact. Another visitor, Jackie Doubler, said the impact "literally felt like an earthquake" and praised zoo staff for their quick response.

The zoo said the panel consists of three protective layers and only one layer was compromised. Officials did not immediately provide a timetable for repairs or say whether a different glass product...