My First Vocalizations

Remember that scene in "Gorillas in the Mist" when the hot National Geographic photographer enters Dian Fossey's cabin for the first time and finds her on the floor, imitating gorilla postures and sounds? I think about that EVERY time I am in the field and hear the trekkers do appeasing vocalizations around the animals, but until today I found it rather ridiculous to do it myself. However, this morning I gathered all my courage and gorilla-prone talent and started speaking to them. I didn't get very far, though - the two silverbacks I was supposed to photograph today (for nose-prints) were very reclusive, hiding deeply in the thick bush during the hottest hours. When we followed one a bit in the open, he actually TOLD US OFF (!!!) (luckily I recognized his vocal intent), so we had to back away (something I am not very used to - generally speaking, in life...) So I was left with the young ones instead - and they are beyond CUTE! However, I'd better practice gorilla-language from now on - I'm sure I'll be better at it than at any other African language I've tried so far!