Japan's Hunky Gorilla Shabani: The Heartthrob Turning Heads and Breaking Hearts

Move over, Brad Pitt and George Clooney! Japan’s most eligible bachelor is a handsome gorilla named Shabani. Born in the Netherlands, raised in Australia, and currently residing at the Higashiyama Zoo in Nagoya, this male western lowland gorilla has taken the nation by storm with his tightrope walking and dashing good looks.

Shabani first caught the public eye at just ten years old for his tightrope talents, but it was his smoldering gaze and chiseled features that launched him into stardom. Described by swooning fans as “handsome,” “sexy,” “photogenic,” “hunky,” and “metrosexual,” Shabani has been compared to Hollywood heartthrobs and is fondly nicknamed “Ikemen,” Japanese slang for “handsome guy.”

In 2015, his fanbase exploded, with women flocking to the zoo to catch a glimpse of the gorilla sensation. Social media buzzed with photos and admiration, and international media like CNN, BBC, and The Daily Telegraph couldn’t resist covering Shabani’s rise to fame.

Obsessed fans have even thrown dirty underwear and penned love letters, causing Shabani to shy away from the outdoors. The zoo had to put up signs asking visitors to stop shouting his name, all in consideration for their furry Casanova.

Interestingly, Shabani isn’t just a pretty face; he’s also a dedicated father to his two young children, earning him the title “Ikumen” – a slang term for a hands-on dad. This dual role of a hunky heartthrob and responsible parent has made him the perfect role model for the modern Japanese male.

Capitalizing on his popularity, a Shabani-inspired pillow that lets you rest on the gorilla’s chest with his arm around you has become a hit online, allowing fans to snuggle up with their favorite primate.