Have you ever felt the shock of jumping into cold water? If you have, you know how unpleasant it can be. Sometimes, you know it's hard to act cool and pretend you're fine when all you want to do is run back to the shore and wrap yourself in a towel.
Well, you're not alone. Even gorillas feel the same way!
Source: Itombwe-Congo Wildlife Conservation
The video was posted by Itombwe-Congo Wildlife Conservation, a group that works to protect the endangered eastern lowland gorillas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In the video below, the gorilla ran toward the water with confidence and enthusiasm, as if he were ready for a refreshing dip. But as soon as he touched the water, he changed his mind and turned around.
Source: Itombwe-Congo Wildlife Conservation
Source: Itombwe-Congo Wildlife Conservation
The video has a funny caption that says, "Gorillas don't like cold water either... courage at first—a dignified retreat." It's hard not to laugh at the gorilla's reaction because it's so human-like. We've all been there, right?
The gorilla probably lives in the Itombwe Nature Reserve, a protected area in the Itombwe Mountains in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Source: Itombwe-Congo Wildlife Conservation
The reserve is home to about 2,000 eastern lowland gorillas, which are critically endangered due to poaching, habitat loss, and disease. The Congo Wildlife Conservation Project works to conserve these amazing animals and their environment.
Maybe the gorilla will try to swim again when the water is warmer. Or he'll stick to the land and enjoy the sun. Either way, we hope he's happy and healthy in his natural habitat.