Silverback gorilla turns brewer

Patrick, a 394-pound silverback gorilla, has helped with the making of a limited edition beer at Riverbanks Zoo in South Carolina.

Patrick the beer brewing silverback. Credit: Riverbanks Zoo

As reported by local newspaper The State, Patrick – the largest and hairiest ape at the Columbia zoo – was taking part in its annual ‘Brew at the Zoo’ tradition where the animals help select the ingredients for their home brew.

According to The State, the fastidious primate chose a well-balanced blend of caramel malt, cherries, pilsen malt and wheat for the blend.

Dubbed Patrick’s Pick, the beer was made in collaboration with local brewer, the Legal Remedy Brewing Company in Rock Hill.

Billed as “Columbia’s coolest suds sippin’ safari”, this year’s annual Brew at the Zoo event will take place at Riverbanks on 4 August from 7pm.

During the night at the zoo, visitors can sample over 100 local and imported craft beers while ambling around the 170-acre site.

Also known as mountain gorillas, silverbacks get their name from the saddle of silver hair running down their backs.

The endangered species can reach up to six foot tall and the males weigh twice that of an average adult male.

Last year scientists discovered that orangutans have the ability to predict their cocktail preferences and have a taste memory thought to be exclusive to humans.