A gorilla keeps on surprising people with her human-like fingers as she was born with a lack of pigmentation on her hand.
During the celebration of gorilla Anaka’s 6th birthday, Zoo Atlanta shared photos of the celebrant and shared them on their Facebook page.
People sent their best wishes to the big girl but while congratulating her, many noticed a unique patch of pigment on her hand.
In a close-up photo, her fingers look remarkably human-like. This is understandable as gorillas have opposable thumbs.
Like all primates, gorillas also have individualized toeprints and fingerprints, which can also be used to identify them.
Unlike other animals, primates have toenails and fingernails instead of claws.
Anaka’s skin is not the only thing unique about her. According to the zoo, her personality is also exceptional.
“(Anaka’s) often barking at her mom and others to get a prime spot for food and juice,” the zoo wrote on their website. “She is often seen riding piggyback on her brother and sisters.”
Many were thinking that the gorilla has vitiligo, a skin condition characterized by white patches of the skin. However, Morena Lale said that she wrote to the zoo and staff did not confirm it.
“I asked this question … and this is their reply: ‘Well, her skin pigment has always been like that and hasn’t changed over the years, so we think it’s just a cool birthmark,’” she shared.
One internet user commented: “This photo really shows how close we are genetically to them.”
Another wrote: “I’ve seen this gorilla at the zoo in person before, and it’s amazing how human they act!!! Her birthmark is super cool!”
A third said: “I consider it to be an honor to be so closely related to other sentient intelligent beings. How can ANYONE doubt that all life on Earth is related! We are all in this together!!”
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Replaced!