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The man spent time showing him pics of other gorillas through the glass of the sanctuary where the animal was kept.

The Western Lowland Gorilla – a critically endangered species – shows more interest as the 1.28 minute clip develops.

Towards the end of the footage, the gorilla lies side by side with the man – with only the glass separating them – captivated by his phone.

Many of the comments under the YouTube video express sadness at how gorilla is "behind glass" at the zoo in Louisville in Kentucky.

(Image: YOUTUBE)

The gorilla – believed to be called Jelani – is housed at an award-winning zoo.

The post's author wrote: "The Louisville Zoo works hard to provide Jelani and his group with great nutrition, a stimulating and wide open environment, medicine and a chance.

"Hopefully through awareness and captive breeding they'll help move this beautiful species off that endangered list."

The video – uploaded on September 6 – has now been viewed nearly 1.8million times.

A team of researchers reportedly used gorilla poo last month to craft a controversial cheesecake.

Bacteria extracted from the primate's faeces cooked with yoghurt was then used to make a cheesecake at a Japanese university.