Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Zola became famous for spinning, sliding and splashing in a pool—not for dancing to music. The “breakdancing gorilla” label describes the playful-looking water session in a viral Dallas Zoo video; the music was added in edits, and zoo staff described the behavior as play.
Who is Zola?
Zola is a western lowland gorilla who was at Calgary Zoo before moving to Dallas Zoo in 2013, according to Independent Online’s 2017 report and a Dallas Observer retrospective published in 2021. The Dallas Observer says he was born in 2002. Independent Online described him as 14 in 2017, consistent with that reported birth year.
The title’s 172 kg figure should be treated as an approximation, not a verified measurement. Independent Online reported 173 kg in 2017; the available accounts do not establish a primary measurement or explain the one-kilogram discrepancy. Neither number should be read as Zola’s current weight.
What does the “breakdancing” video actually show?
The widely shared 2017 Dallas Zoo video shows Zola playing in an indoor pool: he splashes, slides and spins, at moments turning in the water like a washing machine. The Guardian described the pool session as part of the zoo’s enrichment program, which uses activities and objects to provide stimulation and encourage natural behaviors.
#1 Best Overall
- HUGE 17" TALL giant poseable Big Boss Gorilla. This Mega-Monster will stand above the rest.
- PLAY OUT BATTLE SCENES as the gorilla smashes and bashes his way through the toughest battles!
- SMASH & BASH! This ferocious monster is articulated in 16 points, including his head, shoulders, elbows and feet. He has giant arms with huge fists.
- HIGHLY REALISTIC detailing with a mean and fearsome look. Big Boss Gorilla is a force to be reckoned with.
- SPARK IMAGINATION: Engaging hands on toys allow kids to create their own stories and play scenes.
“Breakdancing” is a catchy description of the movement, not the zoo’s behavioral label. WTVR, quoting the Dallas Zoo blog, reported the zoo’s explanation: “Zola’s ‘dancing’ is really just a play behavior (there was no breakdance music playing in the building, we promise).” The music heard in some versions of the clip was added during editing, as reporting by UPI also noted.
Dallas Zoo mammal curator Keith Zdrojewski told Independent Online: “We’ve always known he likes water, but we weren’t expecting the full washing machine-style spin that we caught on camera.” The report also quoted Tara Stoinski, then president and CEO and chief scientific officer of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, saying gorillas may play in water or use it as a mirror to look at themselves. These comments offer context for the clip, but they are not a formal assessment of Zola’s welfare or a definitive account of what he was feeling.
Rank #2
- 【Realistic Emulational Details】This safari animal figures set are made by hand painted with high realistically detailed appearance, cute face and childish eyes. Their uniquely molded textures and richly painted details make the animals vivid. And all the animal figures stands up very well, they do not fall over. Children would like to spend more time to observe and play with them.
- 【Awesome Birthday Gift】Such cute & different varieties of animal figures are worth to be collected, decorating children's bookcase, desk and room. It's an awesome birthday gift or prize for kids, also it would be a good idea to use them as the cake toppers and make a animal-themed cake for your children. They would love that so much.
- 【Educational Animals Playset】These are great for education purposes, creative play, party favors, school projects, baby shower and crafts. Parents can tell the children stories about the information of the animals or the happy life of the animal family, it will improve the parent-child relationship.
- 【Develop Dexterity and Spark the Imagination】We encourage your kids to use their imagination to create their own magical kingdom. The toys will help to develop their skills while enjoying imaginative play.
- 【Safe Materials】Animal Figures Playset made by high quality durable ABS plastic, Non-Toxic Paint and Odorless. All by safety materials for kids, all farm figures are solid.
How the two viral clips fit together
| Clip | What happened |
|---|---|
| 2011, Calgary Zoo | Independent Online reported that an earlier video of Zola splashing and spinning went viral, reaching nearly four million YouTube views at the time of its 2017 report. That figure is historical, not a current view count. |
| June 2017, Dallas Zoo | Zola’s pool play circulated widely again. The Guardian described the session as enrichment; the zoo’s play-behavior explanation was reported by WTVR. |
The Dallas Observer’s 2021 retrospective describes further viral attention and includes interviews with zoo staff about Zola’s water play. Together, the accounts show why the “dancing gorilla” description stuck while clarifying that the footage depicts play rather than a choreographed performance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you see Zola at Dallas Zoo now?
The cited accounts are historical and do not verify Zola’s current status or whether he is available for visitors to view. Check directly with Dallas Zoo for current information before planning a visit.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- TMNT SUPER7 ACTION FIGURE: Guerrilla Gorilla of the classic cartoon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles joins the Super7 ULTIMATES! action toy figures lineup
- ADVENTURE-READY ACCESSORIES: This action figure comes with multiple interchangeable heads and hands as well as Banana Bazooka, Monkey Machine Gun, and Banandolier accessories
- 8-INCH ACTION FIGURE: Guerilla Gorilla figure is 8" tall and in 7" scale with the rest of the ULTIMATES! Ninja Turtles action figures lineup
- PREMIUM ACTION FIGURES: Highly articulated with premium detail and intricate sculpting, our ULTIMATES! action figure toys blur the line between action figures and works of art; Featuring ThunderCats, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Godzilla, and more
- COLLECTIBLE TOYS & FIGURES: From TMNT action figures and G.I. Joe skateboard decks to Power Rangers memorabilia and Toho Godzilla toys, Super7 makes the perfect retro collectibles, vintage toys, and nostalgia gifts for pop culture fanatics and collectors - Gifts for Easter, Birthdays, or Christmas
Rank #3
- DETAILED & REALISTIC. Crafted with precision and authentic detail to create a lifelike toy that teaches and inspires toddlers and kids; helps introduce children to animals. From the first sketch to the intricate finishing touches, we see value in every detail.
- HEALTHY IMAGINATIVE PLAY. The Gorilla Male from Schleich is carefully designed to inspire safe and creative pretend play for children as both a single toy or part of a larger collection.
- PART OF A GROWING PLAY WORLD. The Gorilla Male is part of the Wild Life collection of figurines and playsets from Schleich. Great for gifting, this figurine can stand alone or fit into a larger, modular play world.
- STEP INTO THE WILD SIDE OF WILD LIFE - Adventure awaits! Swing through the jungle with the monkeys, spot the lions on safari, hear the howl of the wolf through the trees. Our Wild Life play sets include grassland, woodland, forest creatures and more.
- IMAGINATION WITHOUT LIMITATION - Schleich toys come in all shapes and sizes to bring every story to life. We value sustainability which is why we have created diverse worlds of durable toys built-to-last that can be treasured for generations to come.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
