Video just released of a toddler playing with a gorilla

It's a shocking image.

Tansy Aspinall, just 18-months-old, playing with a 300 lb. gorilla.

What's more, she didn't get into the enclosure by accident.

Her dad, Damian, a gorilla expert, placed her there.

The video was shot over 20-year-ago, and Damian hopes footage showing the softer side of these powerful animals will now help raise money for his gorilla conservation group.

But is this safe?

Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus at the Columbus Zoo says, "you've got to be very careful, these are wild animals."

Hanna says in most cases no, but he also takes into account the Aspinall's family history with gorillas, including grandfather John.

"The key is John and his son were accepted as part of that family structure, that's very rare", says Jack Hanna.

"King Kong didn't do much for gorillas.  They aren't vicious.  They are gentle giants."

Still, attacks can happen.

In 2004, a gorilla escaped at the Dallas Zoo, shaking and biting a three-year-old boy, leaving him with a collapsed lung.

So could this video spark a backlash?

Critics took aim at the late Steve Irwin when he fed a 12-foot crocodile while holding his child.

And Damian Aspinall says fear of criticism kept him from releasing this tape earlier.

Footage he hopes will spur support for these majestic creatures, even if it startles parents too.

ABC News