At Zoo Atlanta, in the United States, there lives a gorilla that has captured the attention of millions of people around the world. Her name is Anaka, and she is not just any gorilla. What makes her special is her unusual hand—her fingers are partly bright pink, with wrinkles, skin patterns, and nails that look strikingly similar to those of a human being.
Most gorillas have dark-colored hands and feet, which helps them blend into their natural habitats. But Anaka stands out because of this rare pigmentation that almost gives her the appearance of wearing nail polish. Photographs of her hands have gone viral on the internet, sparking conversations not just about her uniqueness, but also about how much gorillas actually resemble humans.
A Rare and Fascinating Trait
Anaka was born at Zoo Atlanta in 2013, and from the very beginning, zookeepers noticed something unusual about her. Instead of having the typical dark skin on her fingers, she had pink patches that made her hands look almost identical to those of a person. The skin shows veins, lines, and textures that mirror human features so closely it is hard to tell the difference when looking at a photo.
According to zoo staff, this pink pigmentation does not affect Anaka’s health or abilities. It’s simply a unique genetic trait that makes her stand out from the rest of the troop. Just like humans can have freckles, birthmarks, or lighter patches of skin, gorillas can sometimes show variations in pigmentation as well. However, it is rare to see such a striking contrast.
Why People Can’t Stop Talking About Anaka
One of the main reasons Anaka has become an internet sensation is the uncanny resemblance between her hands and those of humans. When Zoo Atlanta shared close-up photos of her in celebration of her birthday, the images spread across social media like wildfire. Many people commented that her fingers looked like those of a person who had just had a manicure. Others pointed out how her nails, cuticles, and wrinkles could easily be mistaken for human hands.
Comments such as “Her hand looks more human than mine!” or “It’s like looking at my grandma’s fingers” flooded social media platforms. The viral response was not only a source of amusement but also a reminder of how closely related humans and gorillas actually are.
Gorillas and Humans: A Close Connection
The fascination with Anaka’s hands also sparked renewed interest in the genetic and evolutionary connection between gorillas and humans. Scientists estimate that gorillas share about 98% of their DNA with humans, which explains the many similarities in physical features, behavior, and even social structures.
Like humans, gorillas have individual fingerprints and unique patterns on their hands. These can be used to identify them, much like a fingerprint database is used for people. Anaka’s hands, with their pink coloring, make this connection even more visually striking.
In addition to their physical resemblance, gorillas demonstrate advanced cognitive skills. They are capable of using tools, showing empathy, and learning sign language. Famous gorillas such as Koko, who learned to communicate using American Sign Language, have shown the world that these animals are far more intelligent and emotionally complex than once believed.
Life at Zoo Atlanta
Anaka lives at Zoo Atlanta as part of a large gorilla troop. Zoo Atlanta is home to one of North America’s largest populations of western lowland gorillas, a species that is critically endangered in the wild. Through breeding programs, education, and conservation efforts, zoos like this play a critical role in protecting gorillas from extinction.
Visitors often stop specifically to see Anaka because of her unique appearance. Children and adults alike are amazed when they notice her hands. Some even mistake her for wearing makeup or polish. Zookeepers explain that this is simply her natural pigmentation and not something artificially added.
Raising Awareness for Conservation
Beyond the fascination with her unusual hands, Anaka serves as an ambassador for her species. Western lowland gorillas face significant threats in the wild, including habitat destruction due to logging and mining, poaching, and diseases such as Ebola. The population of these gorillas has declined dramatically over the past few decades.
By attracting attention to Anaka’s story, Zoo Atlanta hopes to inspire people to care more deeply about gorilla conservation. Every viral post, every shared picture, and every fascinated comment helps raise awareness that these incredible creatures need protection.
The Viral Power of a Single Image
The internet has shown how one small detail—a gorilla’s pink fingers—can spark global curiosity. Anaka’s story illustrates the power of visual storytelling in connecting people to wildlife. In a world where attention spans are short, a single striking image can make someone stop scrolling and start thinking about the natural world.
Her photos continue to circulate online, with people sharing them on Reddit, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. They often lead to comments about how similar gorillas are to humans, and sometimes spark deeper conversations about evolution, conservation, and animal welfare.
What Anaka Represents
Ultimately, Anaka represents more than just an unusual gorilla with unique hands. She symbolizes the deep bond between humans and our closest animal relatives. Her pink fingers remind us that the line separating us from other primates is thinner than many realize.
She also serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting endangered species. If people can be fascinated by the pink coloring on one gorilla’s hands, perhaps that same fascination can translate into real-world action—donations, advocacy, and efforts to protect wild gorilla populations.
Final Thoughts
Anaka’s human-like hands may be unusual, but they highlight an important truth: gorillas are not just animals we observe from afar—they are complex, intelligent, and surprisingly similar to us. Her story continues to inspire awe and curiosity, while also opening the door to conversations about conservation and the urgent need to protect her species.
As one online commenter put it best: “Looking at Anaka’s hand feels like looking into a mirror of evolution.”
