Though a gorilla is much stronger than a human, the numbers disadvantage may help the men prevail, experts told Forbes.

Zoo staff said Roxie will be remembered for chasing the baby gorillas around and being helpful in bringing offspring closer to the troop by teaching Goma, a silverback gorilla, his place in the group.

Due to her “calm and gentle leadership,” Roxie was able to teach the rest of the female gorillas how to lead and assert their dominance, officials said. “She was the first gorilla we ever ...