That does not mean a gorilla literally identifies O’Neal as another gorilla. Nor does it prove that every gorilla interprets his presence as a challenge.
Animal behavior is far more complicated than that.
But Shaq is unquestionably an unusual visual presence.
And for an adult male gorilla, physical size matters.
Just How Big Is a Gorilla?
Gorillas are the largest living great apes.
According to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, an adult male western lowland gorilla averages around 300 pounds, although individuals can reach approximately 500 pounds.
An adult male can stand as tall as roughly six feet when upright and may have an arm span approaching eight feet.
That comparison makes Shaq’s story particularly interesting.
A 7-foot-1, 300-plus-pound human walking toward the enclosure is far outside the normal dimensions of most visitors.
Shaq is obviously built very differently from a gorilla, but in terms of sheer scale, he is closer to the physical dimensions of an adult male gorilla than almost any ordinary zoo guest could ever be.
Smithsonian notes that mature male gorillas—known as silverbacks because of the silver-colored hair that develops across their backs—play a central role in gorilla social groups.
A typical troop can include a dominant silverback, females and their offspring, although gorilla social structures vary.
The silverback does more than simply reproduce.
He can mediate disputes, influence group movements and defend the troop when necessary.
That makes the interpretation of potential threats an important part of his role.
Source: Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, “Western Lowland Gorilla.”
The Famous Gorilla Display
This is where Shaq’s description becomes especially interesting.
When people imagine an angry gorilla, they often picture the dramatic image popularized by movies: an enormous ape standing upright, beating its chest and charging.
Real gorilla behavior is more nuanced.
The Smithsonian describes western lowland gorillas as generally quiet and peaceful animals rather than naturally aggressive creatures constantly searching for fights.
However, an adult male protecting his group can perform intimidating displays when he perceives a threat.
These displays can include standing upright, chest slapping, vocalizations and advancing toward a perceived intruder.
Such behavior does not necessarily mean the animal intends to begin a physical fight.
In fact, intimidating displays can help animals avoid dangerous physical encounters.
Showing strength may communicate a message before an actual confrontation becomes necessary.
In the wild, fighting can be extremely costly. An injury that would be relatively manageable for a human with access to modern medicine could become life-threatening for a wild animal.
So demonstrating size, strength and confidence can sometimes accomplish the goal without requiring direct physical combat.
That makes Magill’s description of the gorilla trying to make itself appear bigger especially notable.
Source: Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, “Western Lowland Gorilla.”
Size Matters in Gorilla Encounters
The Smithsonian also notes that size appears to play an important role in encounters between male gorillas, with larger males having an advantage.
This does not mean a gorilla looks through zoo glass, calculates Shaq’s height and weight, and consciously decides that he is a rival.
That would be an unjustified leap.
But animals routinely respond to physical cues in their environments, and size can be one of those cues.
From the gorilla’s perspective, Shaq represents something unusual.
Most humans walking past an exhibit are significantly smaller than an adult male gorilla.