Recently the internet has been consumed with the question of whether 100 people could win in a bare knuckle brawl with a gorilla. Now Robert Irwin has offered his thoughts on the debate.
The Australian conservationist and Bonds underwear model weighed in on the hypothetical in a lighthearted post to TikTok on Tuesday, noting that the question has been coming up a lot recently.
I have been asked this question so much in the last week, its ridiculous, said Irwin. Like, Im getting asked on the street now.
The 100 people vs. one gorilla debate has spread significantly across social media platforms, with people arguing over everything from science to strategy. Even primate experts have weighed in, telling Rolling Stone that humans might theoretically stand a chance — if they all commit wholeheartedly to a kamikaze mission with devastating casualties.
For his part, Irwin was reluctant to firmly back one side or the other, acknowledging the sheer volume of people in the hypothetical scenario.
Gorillas are strong, mate, said Irwin. Like, really strong. But its 100 people — Im not sure.
Instead, Irwin was more concerned with the implications of attempting to beat up an endangered animal. Native to equatorial Africa, gorilla populations have been adversely impacted by threats such as habitat destruction, hunting, and the Ebola virus. This hasnt been helped by their slow reproductive rate either, with the International Union for Conservation of Nature regarding gorillas as critically endangered.
Just as an animal conservationist, fighting an endangered species just doesnt sit right with me, said Irwin. How many people does it take to save gorillas? Thats the question we should be asking. Because theres not many of them left.
Irwin also considered that the internet debate ignored the fact that gorillas are typically docile, and wouldnt be interested in instigating a fistfight with a crowd of humans. There also seems to be little reason for humans to start something either, particularly if they value the structural integrity of their skulls.
Yes, gorillas are super powerful, all of that, Irwin said. But also, theyre pretty chill. Most of the time they kinda just keep to themselves. Theyll defend themselves and protect each other and all of that, but if they dont really have a reason they kind of just do their thing.
We dont… we dont need to fight gorillas. Maybe lets just let this one remain a mystery.
Viewers were quick to call Irwins response the most Robert Irwin answer, with many dubbing him a true man due to his concern for the gorillas.
him gentle parenting us like school children is sending me, said esmecaastro070.
he really said it’s never HOW is the gorilla, quipped rayne333333.
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Amanda Yeo is an Assistant Editor at Mashable, covering entertainment, culture, tech, science, and social good. Based in Australia, she writes about everything from video games and K-pop to movies and gadgets.