This is how zoos practise dealing with an escaped gorilla in Japan
Zookeepers hold a net to capture an animal keeper dressed in a gorilla costume (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)

Believe it or not, this isn’t a real gorilla. It’s actually a zoo keeper in a costume.

Staff at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo chased animal handler Natsumi Uno as she tried to mimic what a real life gorilla would do if it escaped.

Despite the less than convincing gorilla outfit, workers took the annual safety drill very seriously.

Gorilla costume, escape drill
The escape drill takes place every year at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)

They utilised nets and pretend stun guns in order to subdue Ms Uno, who enjoyed being one of the animals for the day.

‘In my job, we sometimes have the chance to catch an animal, but never to get caught,’ she said.

‘When the other keepers chased me, I could really understand the animal’s feelings.

Gorilla costume, Tokyo zoo
The ‘gorilla’ was captured in the end (Picture: AFP/Getty)

‘We need to think about people’s safety, but also about the safety of the animal we are catching. That is why this drill is important.’

The pretend gorilla was eventually caught by staff, who will undoubtedly have a much tougher time when dealing with a real one in the event of any actual escape.