From King Kong to Conservation: A Lifelong Connection with Great Apes

When most kids watch King Kong, they might see a giant, terrifying ape. But when Aaron Jesue watched the 1933 classic as a child, he saw something different: personality, emotion, and depth. That moment sparked a lifelong passion for animals, especially gorillas, and set him on a path to becoming a professional zookeeper.

Nearly 20 years into his work as a zookeeper, Aaron is now known affectionately as the “gorilla guy.” It’s a nickname that reflects his deep bond with great apes and his role as an advocate, educator, and conservationist.

From Movies to Zoos: Working Behind the Scenes
Aaron is more than a keeper—he’s a conservation leader. He has been an active member of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) for nearly two decades, supporting national efforts and serving as a longtime volunteer and leader with the AAZK chapter at the Detroit Zoo. He champions initiatives like Gorillas on the Line (a cell phone recycling program to reduce mining in gorilla habitats) and SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction.

His message is clear: it’s not just about caring for animals at the zoo, it’s about helping protect them in the wild, too.

“Gorilla Guy” Inspires Our Gorilla Collection
Aaron calls himself a “walking billboard” for wildlife—wearing shirts and gear that showcase the animals he’s dedicated his life to. When he discovered our Gorilla Stance Hawaiian Shirt, he didn’t just like the design, he saw his passion reflected in it.

For us, it was a total a-ha moment! Our wildlife apparel doesn't just make people smile, it connects with them at a different level.

Giving Back to the People Who Give It All
Aaron’s passion also inspired us to support local AAZK chapters like his. To honor his impact and support others like him, Wild in Color is donating a portion of proceeds to the Detroit AAZK chapter, helping fund the work of keepers and educators committed to wildlife conservation.

Wild in Color was built on this idea: to create joyful, expressive wildlife apparel that gives back to the people who care for the wild every day.

How You Can Support Conservation Through Everyday Action
Aaron believes in the power of small actions:

• Spend more time at your local zoo exhibit.
• Pay attention to animal behavior and ask questions.
• Donate your old cell phones through Gorillas on the Line.
• Share a zookeeper’s story.
• Talk to your kids about wildlife conservation.
  

Every shirt, tote bag or hoodie from Wild in Color is a small way to take part in and inspires others to protect the wild. 

Celebrate Wildlife. Support Keepers. Wear What You Believe In.
Whether you love gorillas, sea otters, or sloths... you can be an “animal person” too by wearing your passion on your sleeve, so to speak.

Meet Aaron Jesue and hear about his passion in his own words. He reminds us that behind every animal we draw is someone protecting it. And behind every shirt we print is a chance to show your wild side and support the people who make a difference.

Wild in Color Facts!

Gorillas use more than 20 distinct vocalizations to communicate and play, sharing words and thoughts with noises.  Adults and youngsters make even make laughing and giggling sounds during play. 

My favorite is the gorilla “beltch” - a noise they make when they are really content. As a keeper, I'd say think of them when the food has arrived!

- Aaron Jesue, Zookeeper at Detroit Zoo