Gorilla Ballet Dancer: Zoo Primate Performs for Crowds

Fifteen-year-old gorilla Kiondo regularly wows crowds by doing what looks like ballet dancing at Paignton Zoo in Devon, England.

A zoo spokesperson said the gorilla is a “bit of a showoff” who loves performing for amazed crowds from his enclosure at the zoo, The Mirror reported.

Zoo staff took pictures of Kiondo dancing that show the gracefulness and poise of the large animal, which weighs over 400 pounds.

Kiondo has been living at the zoo since 2006 when he came from Stuttgart Zoo in Germany. He was first spotted dancing last September, zoo officials said.

Besides ballet dancing, Kiondo also can juggle, the zoo said in a news release.

Kiondo is a Western lowland gorilla, which is a critically endangered species. He lives with a group of other male gorillas, some of whom may go on to become dominant males in other bachelor or family groups of gorillas as Europe attempts to breed the animals and increase their population, the Daily Mail reported.

Kiondo has been described as “graceful” and “elegant” and is a top attraction at the zoo, The Mirror reported.

• Colo the Gorilla, Oldest in Captivity, Dies at 60
• Baby Gorilla in Prague Surprises Zookeepers Who Thought Mom Just Fat