The Wise Gorilla of the Zoo

    By Max

    The Wise Gorilla of the Zoo cover image

    26 Jun, 2023

    Once upon a time in a beautiful zoo, there lived a wise and savvy gorilla named Gideon. Gideon was a well-respected creature who was known for his intelligence and wisdom. He was admired not only by his fellow animals, but also by the zookeepers and visitors.

    Gideon had an extraordinary gift; he could understand the stories and emotions of each and every animal in the zoo. He would often sit quietly in his enclosure and listen to the animals all around, learning about their lives and experiences.

    One day, a new animal named Greta the gazelle arrived at the zoo. Greta was very shy and nervous, having a hard time adjusting to her new environment. Gideon noticed this and decided to speak with her.

    Using his Socratic method of questioning, Gideon asked Greta about her feelings, anxieties, and experiences. Greta hesitantly shared her story, revealing her loneliness and fear of the unfamiliar surroundings.

    Gideon listened carefully, and by asking the right questions, he was able to diagnose the root cause of Greta's unhappiness: a lack of friends and a sense of belonging. Gideon then offered his advice: Greta should try to form connections with other animals in the zoo.

    Encouraged by Gideon's wise words, Greta decided to follow his advice. Slowly but surely, she began to make friends with her neighbors, eventually finding a sense of belonging and happiness in the zoo.

    As word of Gideon's wisdom spread throughout the zoo, more and more animals came to him for advice. One day, a peacock named Percy approached Gideon. Percy was incredibly proud of his beautiful feathers, but he felt that no one appreciated his beauty.

    Gideon asked Percy a series of questions, probing into Percy's feelings and the reasons behind them. He soon discovered that Percy's vanity was the source of his unhappiness. Gideon advised Percy to focus on his relationships, rather than his appearance.

    Taking Gideon's advice to heart, Percy began to spend more time with the other animals and less time admiring his own reflection. As a result, he developed strong friendships and found a greater sense of self-worth.

    Another animal, a wise old elephant named Ella, came to Gideon with a heavy heart. Ella was the matriarch of the zoo's elephant herd and had recently lost her best friend. She was struggling with her grief and didn't know how to move forward.

    Once again, Gideon listened and asked Ella a series of thoughtful questions. Through their discussion, Gideon helped Ella understand that it was okay for her to grieve, but that she also needed to accept the loss and carry on her responsibilities as the matriarch.

    Gideon advised Ella to share her feelings with the other elephants and to allow them to support her. This way, they could all heal together. Ella followed Gideon's advice and found solace in her herd, eventually becoming a strong and resilient leader once again.

    Through his wise counsel, Gideon helped many animals overcome their challenges. Each animal that he guided truly appreciated his wisdom and care. The zookeepers and visitors noticed the remarkable change in the animals' behavior and attitude.

    The zoo became a flourishing, harmonious community where the animals thrived. They often credited Gideon's Socratic approach as the key to resolving their issues and providing a pathway towards happiness and wellbeing.

    The zookeepers eventually noticed Gideon's positive influence on the other animals and decided to celebrate his wisdom. They placed a plaque in Gideon's enclosure, honoring him as the wisest and most compassionate creature in the zoo.

    Visitors from far and wide came to see Gideon, eager to learn from his wisdom. Gideon's fame grew, and his story was shared in newspapers and magazines. The zoo became a popular destination for people seeking to witness the remarkable gorilla and his community.

    As time passed, Gideon continued to help countless animals, leaving a lasting legacy of love and understanding. His teachings and philosophies were passed down through generations of zoo animals, ensuring that his values would live on forever.

    And so, Gideon the savvy gorilla became a symbol of hope and wisdom, not just for the animals in the zoo but for the people who came to visit them. His ability to make meaningful connections, his empathy, and his guidance helped everyone around him live happier, more fulfilling lives.

    In the end, Gideon's story reached beyond the borders of the zoo. People and animals alike learned the importance of empathy, understanding, and the power of asking the right questions. Because of Gideon, the world became a better place, filled with happier creatures who understood the value of compassion and wisdom.

    The Wise Gorilla of the Zoo