Gorillas, particularly the females, exhibit specific behaviors to signal their romantic interest and readiness to mate with a dominant male. These actions serve as their unique form of "flirting" or courtship.
Signals of Readiness and Attraction
When a female gorilla is prepared to mate, she will initiate contact with the dominant male, often a silverback, through a series of distinct gestures:
- Slow Approach: She will carefully and slowly approach the dominant male. This deliberate movement indicates her intentionality and allows the male to observe her signals.
- Sustained Eye Contact: A key indicator of her interest is maintaining prolonged eye contact with the male. This direct gaze is a significant form of communication in the gorilla world, conveying her focus and desire.
- Pursed Lips: As she approaches and makes eye contact, the female will purse her lips. This subtle facial expression is another visual cue indicating her receptiveness and romantic intent.
Attracting Attention if Unnoticed
If the dominant male does not immediately respond to her initial, more subtle overtures, the female gorilla has a more assertive method to capture his attention:
- Ground Slapping: She will firmly slap the ground with her hands. This action creates a loud sound that is designed to draw his focus directly to her.
- Reaching Gesture: Simultaneously with the ground slap, she will extend her arm and reach out towards him. This physical gesture further emphasizes her desire for his attention and encourages him to acknowledge her presence and interest.
These behaviors collectively form the female gorilla's method of flirting, communicating her readiness and inviting the male to engage in mating.
