Grumpy gibbon shows zoo visitor who's boss

HOW SHOULD a boy ape show he's none too impressed with another chap wandering onto his turf? When faced with just such a dilemma this white-cheeked gibbon decided to intimidate his rival with an impressive display of gymnastic ability.

Filmed at the Memphis zoo, the video (below) shows a male visitor being left in no doubt who is boss when he stands too close to a glass-fronted enclosure.

With his human rival's back turned, the ape demonstrates his prowess on the climbing frame before switching to the rope and building up momentum with some nifty somersaults in order to propel himself through the air, landing deftly up against the glass behind his oblivious adversary. 

The territorial primate has a reputation for such displays against potential competitors. The man seen in the video says that it was actually a zoo employee who suggested he turn his back on the animal to provoke the reaction.

The zoo worker explained that the ape has a particular dislike of "tall men". Given this individual's diminutive height, he may find seeing off opponents becomes a full time job.

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