A gorilla in the US is to be put through a series of therapy sessions after zoo chiefs found it had developed a range of sexist attitudes.

Patrick, a 195kg western lowland gorilla, has failed to create a lasting relationship with any female in his 18 years at Dallas Zoo. The final straw for the ape came when he was seen to bite one female gorilla and angrily sneer at several others.

He will now be sent to South Carolina for treatment for his behavioural issues, which could help him to attract a mate in the future. During his time at his new base, Patrick will live a bachelor lifestyle in his own digs.

Riverbanks Zoo, where Patrick is being sent to, specialises in working with gorillas with issues such as these and could help to put the creature back on the right path.

Dallas Zoo spokeswoman Laurie Holloway explained there have been plenty of efforts made to improve Patrick's behaviour over the years and set him up with a female in a loving relationship.

"It's not like we haven't tried. He's been here for 18 years. He's beautiful and smart and everyone loves him. We're really sad to see him go but it's for the best for the zoo and for Patrick," she said.

Patrick has only ever truly engaged with one other gorilla in all his time in Dallas, a fellow male called Jabari. However, Jabari had to be shot dead by police in 2004 after he escaped from his enclosure.

In more recent times, the gorilla seems to have acted in an increasingly antisocial manner towards the zoo's latest addition, a break-dancing ape called Zola. This has led to zoo bosses in Dallas realising it may be best for Patrick to move on.

The aim now is for Patrick to make new friends at Riverbanks Zoo and eventually be moved out of his solitary enclosure so that he can live with other males. If things go well, he might even find the time to get together with a female gorilla.ADNFCR-2867-ID-801642129-ADNFCR

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