Can a gorilla actually crush a coconut in its hand?

Biology

Thane Maynard, the director of the Cincinnati zoo, said the gorilla was "able to crush a coconut in his hands with little effort."

I've seen a gorilla whack a coconut on the rocks to open it up. I've seen a hydraulic press crack one open with ease. And I've seen a human fail to smash many coconuts.

But I'm a bit skeptical that a gorilla could hold a coconut in one hand, squeeze and crush it. A gorilla against me is an unstoppable force, but a coconut against me is an unbreakable object.

Maybe young, fresh coconuts would be easier - but I'm wondering about a mature, brown coconut.

*Although I just noticed the quote says "in his hands" - which might change things a bit.

Posted Jun 6, 2016, 5:08 AM UTC

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