Crafty gorilla tries to use branch as ladder to flee exhibit at the North Carolina Zoo

Crafty gorilla tries to use branch to flee exhibit

ASHEBORO, N.C. — The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro temporarily closed its gorilla exhibit after one of the apes nearly made a break for it. Zoo spokesman Tom Gillespie said a branch from a tree fell into the exhibit Sunday. One female gorilla tried to use the branch as a ladder to climb out of the exhibit, but she didn’t make it.

The exhibit remained closed Tuesday as staff horticulturists checked nearby trees for loose limbs. Zoo officials think the branch came down after being weakened by a storm Saturday.