Something about the Zoo Keeper gorilla standing stoically covered in raindrops after one of our August showers made me smile in recognition. He gleamed in the sunshine and looked very debonair. I think he must be carrying that bucket of fish to feed the seals and the walruses.
I wanted to stand and have a chat with him. He reminds me of Johnny Morris! Ooh I ‘ve just read the plaque, which I photographed, but didn’t read and that is exactly who he is modelled on; lovely Johnny from “Animal Magic” the animal man of my childhood!
In the background is one of Raymond Blanc’s Brasseries; we had lunch here after getting married last year.
The magic of YouTube found me this just now… in case you need reminding. Here is Johnny Morris with gorillas!
Wow! Gorillas 
Oh you look so lovely in blue, darling! This is a very smart looking gorilla indeed, but I’ve never heard of Johnny Morris before, so thank you for the clip!
Tales from the Riverbank? He narrated that and many more things besides doing Animal Magic.
In later years he was criticised in some quarters for doing the animals’ voices as if they had human thoughts, but I loved him so very much as a child. He was so funny and kind and sweet. I often talk as if I am the dog, we have two way conversations with me taking both speaking parts. I think it stems from him… :)
He’s a beauty! And, yes, as Celia said, thanks for the video clip. Great fun to see that.
‘Morning Misk! It’s all in the eyes and the smile, I reckon. They are warm in the sunshine and pleasant to touch. I see lots of people hugging them… it feels a bit like hugging a tree