If you have dogs or cats, you may have been witness to the hilarity that happens when they catch a glimpse of their reflections in mirrors. So imagine what happens when much larger, wilder animals see their reflections for the first time! How would these undomesticated creatures react?

That’s the question innovative French photographer Xavier Hubert-Brierre wanted to answer, so he decided to travel to Gabon and set up mirrors in several different jungle locations, then film the results. All kinds of incredible animals showed up, from elephants and apes to leopards, birds and chimpanzees, and their reactions to and interactions with the mirror were as varied – and entertaining! – as these glorious creatures are.

Our favorite reaction has to be that of a silverback gorilla. A “silverback” is a large adult male, protector and leader of his family group. There’s usually only one per group, so you can just imagine what he thinks when he’s walking through the jungle and suddenly spies what looks like an interloper into his territory . . .

So funny, right?! This gorilla has caught barely a glimpse before he goes barreling in full-throttle to express his dominance. Though he seems a little shaken when he bounces off the solid surface of the mirror, it seems to us like his swagger and confidence remain fully intact.

The gorilla’s reaction – and remembering how confused our own pets become in front of mirrors, too – made us wonder what was happening here. Turns out, animals and mirrors aren’t just about them reacting to something shiny; it’s actually a glimpse into their mental abilities and sense of self!

We’re talking, of course, about the “mirror test,” a psychological test of self-awareness invented in the 1970s by psychologist Gordon Gallup Jr. As explained by Science Daily,

The test gauges self-awareness by determining whether an animal can recognize its own reflection in a mirror as an image of itself.

This is accomplished by surreptitiously marking the animal with an odourless dye, and observing whether the animal reacts in a manner consistent with it being aware that the dye is located on its own body.

Such behaviour might include turning and adjusting of the body in order to better view the marking in the mirror, or poking at the marking on its own body with a finger while viewing the mirror.

Passing the mirror test is an important part of child development, with babies typically recognizing themselves in a mirror between 1½ and 2 years of age.

We humans don’t have a monopoly on self-awareness, though! Other animals have passed it, too: elephants, dolphins, orca whales, magpies, bonobos, orangutans, chimpanzees and even ants. Another animal on that list? Surprisingly, gorillas!

So what’s going on with our silverback friend in this video? Scientists speculate that

[. . .] most of the gorillas and other primates who do not pass the test may have inhibited behavior due to the presence of observing humans [. . .] Additionally, gorillas will often avoid eye contact with their reflection. By avoiding eye contact, gorillas are likely not able to look at their reflection long enough to realize that it is themselves who they are seeing.

Fascinating! To see the phenomenon in action, and to see even more animals’ delightful and funny reactions, be sure to watch the video below!

Which animal’s reaction was your favorite? Have you tried the “mirror test” on an animal you know? How have your pets reacted to mirrors before? Share with us!