The internet has recently been alive with a strange and intriguing question: could 100 unarmed individuals defeat a single gorilla in a fight? This debate has gone viral, igniting countless discussions online and even recruiting expert viewpoints. Australian conservationist and Bonds underwear model Robert Irwin has now shared his perspective — and he’s not exactly in favor of Team Brawl.
In a playful TikTok video shared on Tuesday, Irwin tackled the increasing number of inquiries regarding his opinion on the hypothetical contest. “I have been asked this question so much in the last week, it’s ridiculous,” he remarked. “Like, I’m getting asked on the street now.”
The 100-vs-1 gorilla discussion has taken social media by storm, with users analyzing everything from fighting strategies to biological power. Some primate specialists have even contributed their thoughts, stating to Rolling Stone that while it’s technically feasible for humans to prevail, it would necessitate a full-scale kamikaze-style assault with significant fatalities.
However, Irwin didn’t firmly align with either side. “Gorillas are strong, mate. Like, really strong,” he noted. “But it’s 100 people — I’m not sure.”
Rather than delve into the specifics of the confrontation, Irwin redirected the dialogue to a more significant topic: why are we even contemplating engaging in a fight with an endangered species?
“Just as an animal conservationist, fighting an endangered species just doesn’t sit right with me,” he expressed. “How many people does it take to save gorillas? That’s the inquiry we should be making. Because there’s not many of them left.”
Gorillas, indigenous to equatorial Africa, encounter serious dangers from habitat loss, poaching, and diseases like Ebola. Their slow reproductive rate further diminishes their recovery prospects. The International Union for Conservation of Nature currently categorizes gorillas as critically endangered.
Irwin also highlighted that gorillas are typically peaceful beings. “Yes, gorillas are super powerful, all of that,” he stated. “But also, they’re pretty chill. Most of the time they kinda just keep to themselves. They’ll defend themselves and protect each other, but if they don’t really have a reason, they kind of just do their thing.”
His takeaway? “We don’t… we don’t need to fight gorillas. Maybe let’s just let this one remain a mystery.”
Fans quickly lauded Irwin’s kind and thoughtful reply, referring to it as “the most Robert Irwin answer” imaginable. One TikTok user joked, “Him gentle parenting us like school children is sending me,” while another remarked, “He really said ‘it’s never HOW is the gorilla.’”
Ultimately, Irwin’s message was unmistakable: instead of pondering how many individuals it would take to overcome a gorilla, perhaps we should consider how many it requires to safeguard one.