- Gorillas caught on camera playing around at Rotterdam Zoo, the Netherlands
- Young primates Aybo and Thabo were caught in several ‘adult’ positions
- However, they are likely to have been copying what they saw other gorillas do
- Pair are three years old, and male gorillas reach sexual maturity between 11-13
These two young gorillas were spotted embracing each other in some rather adult-looking poses at Rotterdam Zoo, the Netherlands.
Aybo and Thabo’s playful games made for a series of cute photos of the young primates exploring what the future might hold.
Because while their game may have looked amorous, the two young primates are just three years old and have almost ten years to go before they reach gorilla adulthood.
Growing up: Young gorillas Aybo and Thabo were seen playing around at Rotterdam Zoo
Brothers in arms: The two, who are half-brothers, wrestled on the grass in their pen at Rotterdam Zoo in the Netherlands
The pair, who are half-brothers, are likely to have been copying behaviour observed in adult gorillas.
On average, male gorillas will sexually mature between 11 and 13 years, and female gorillas from age ten.
The photographs of Aybo and Thabo were taken by Shirley Kroos, 30, while she was visiting the zoo.
I wanna be like you: The two monkey’s embraced in some eyebrow-raising positions which could be interpreted as mating
Like father, like sons: However, with the pair only aged three, it is likely that they were copying behaviour they have observed in adult gorillas
A while to go: On average, male gorillas become sexually mature between the ages of 11 and 13
Ms Kroos said: ‘They were doing some adult things with each other playfully.
‘Before and after they were running around with some toys they were given by the zookeepers.
‘So they were just in a playful mood and enjoyed each other’s company.
‘It was great watching these two boys having fun together – they made me laugh and it was very unique capturing them on camera.’
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