Are you wondering which animal is larger and more formidable, a gorilla or a black rhinoceros? Both animals have unique features and are awe-inspiring creatures. With huge sizes and intimidating horns, both mammals make impressive ascents through the wild.
So, let’s dive into the amazing comparison between gorillas and black rhinos, examining differences like habitat preferences, physical characteristics, behavior patterns, breeding habits, and diet choices!

Skip ahead to any section below.
Comparison Table
Gorilla | Black Rhinoceros | |
---|---|---|
Scientific name | Gorilla | Diceros bicornis |
Average lifespan | 35-40 years | 35-50 years |
Size | Males: 1.4-1.8m tall and weigh 136-195kg; Females: 1.25-1.5m tall and weigh 68-113kg | 1.4-1.8m tall and weigh 800-1,400kg |
Habitat | Forests and lowland swamps of Central and East Africa | Grasslands, savannas, and forests of Africa |
Diet | Herbivorous, primarily eating leaves, stems, and fruit | Herbivorous, feeding on a variety of plant species |
Behavior | Social animals, living in groups of up to 30 individuals, led by a dominant male silverback | Solitary animals, except during mating season or when a mother is raising her calf |
Conservation status | Endangered, with some subspecies critically endangered | Critically endangered, with fewer than 5,000 individuals remaining in the wild |
Threats | Habitat loss, poaching for bushmeat and traditional medicine | Poaching for their horns, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict |
Unique features | Intelligent and capable of using tools, with strong family bonds and elaborate communication through vocalizations and body language | Large, armor-like skin and a pointed upper lip used for grasping vegetation |
A Look At The Differences In Size And Weight Between Gorillas And Rhinos

Their size and weight differences are quite significant when comparing gorillas and rhinos.
Gorillas, the most giant primates in existence, can reach a weight of 600 pounds and stand as tall as 5 feet. On the other hand, rhinos can weigh up to 7,700 pounds and reach up to 6 feet tall at the shoulders.
It’s astonishing that despite the massive difference in weight, gorillas are more agile and can climb trees, while rhinos are slow and can’t climb at all. Their contrasting habitats and lifestyles account for the variation in size and weight.
Gorillas primarily live in forests and need agility to climb trees easily. In contrast, rhinos are found in savannahs and grasslands, and their size and weight are required to survive among other larger animals. Despite their differences, both animals are magnificent creatures in their respective habitats.
Check out Battle Of The Giants: African Elephants versus the Javan Rhinoceroses.
What Do They Eat, And Where Do They Live

Gorillas and rhinos are fascinating creatures with special diets and habitats. Gorillas, the largest primates on Earth, are primarily herbivores and consume various fruits, leaves, and stems. From time to time, they consume insects and little creatures. Lastly, these majestic creatures are native to the forests of Central and East Africa, where they live in groups known as troops.
Conversely, rhinos are herbivorous mammals that primarily eat grass, leaves, and shoots. They generally live in savannahs, grasslands, and forests in Africa and Asia. Despite their massive size, gorillas and rhinos face threats from habitat loss and poaching threats, making their conservation efforts crucial for survival. Understanding their special diets and habitats is essential for protecting these magnificent creatures for future generations.
Check out WHAT DO GORILLAS EAT? AND OTHER GORILLA FACTS.
Comparing The Strength And Speed Of These Two Animals

Gorillas and Rhinos are two of the most fascinating animals in the world. These enormous creatures have incredible strength and speed, weighing close to or over a ton. Being primates, gorillas possess powerful upper bodies and can lift objects weighing up to ten times their body weight. Generally, they are known for their agility and speed on land, and it’s been said that they can outrun even the fastest humans.
On the other hand, rhinos have some of the thickest skin in the animal kingdom and can use their front horns as powerful weapons. Additionally, their charging speed can reach an astonishing 30 miles per hour.
Comparing the different types of strength and speed these two animals possess is fascinating. While gorillas can easily climb and run, rhinos have a deadly charge and are one of the toughest armor-like skins in the animal kingdom. Both creatures are equally impressive in their way, and it’s hard not to be amazed by them.
Exploring The Different Skill Sets Of Each Animal

Exploring the skill sets of animals can be a fascinating study. In particular, the skill sets of gorillas and rhinos are worth observing. With their powerful muscles and nimble hands, Gorillas are adept at climbing, swinging, and manipulating objects. They also utilize a range of vocalizations and sign language for communication.
On the other hand, rhinos are known for their strength and excellent sense of smell. But they can run up to 30 miles per hour and charge at a speed of 35 miles per hour.
Despite their massive size, rhinos can navigate through dense foliage with ease. Therefore, every animal possesses distinct qualities that enable it to flourish in its natural environment. Furthermore, comprehending these skill sets can foster a greater admiration for the multifaceted and diverse animal kingdom.
How Their Interactions With Humans Differ

When considering how their interactions with humans differ, looking closely at gorillas and rhinos is essential.
Both are magnificent creatures in their own right and share very different behaviors. Gorillas are known for being incredibly intelligent and social animals – they thrive in family groups and have intricate systems of communication with one another.
They have been observed exhibiting kindness and empathy towards humans, even when they are strangers – a testament to their gentle nature.
On the other hand, rhinos are more solitary creatures and are much more territorial. Their sense of smell is acute, but their eyesight is not exceptional, making them prone to being easily startled.
When they feel threatened, they can exhibit considerable aggression. Ultimately, while both creatures are unique individuals with their respective temperaments and behaviors, it’s clear that interacting with them requires a different approach.
Check out Gorilla vs. Cape Hunting Dog.
Examining Other Unique Attributes Of Both Species

Gorillas and rhinos are two of the fascinating species on Earth, and examining their unique attributes offers us a glimpse into their remarkable adaptations.
For instance, gorillas are some of the largest primates in the world, known for their impressive strength and intelligence. These magnificent creatures also demonstrate complex social behavior, with intricate communication systems and tight-knit family groups.
In contrast, rhinos are giant, powerful herbivores with thick, armored skin, nearly invulnerable to most predators. Despite being critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching, rhinos remain one of the most awe-inspiring animals alive today.
As a result, by examining the unique attributes of both species, we can better understand the incredible diversity of life on this planet.
Check out Who Is Stronger? Gorilla Vs. Rhino.
Key Points

Gorillas primarily live in forests and need agility to climb trees easily. In contrast, rhinos are found in savannahs and grasslands, and their size and weight are required to survive among other larger animals. |
Gorillas, for instance, are some of the largest primates in the world, known for their impressive strength and intelligence. These magnificent creatures demonstrate complex social behavior, with intricate communication systems and tight-knit family groups. In contrast, rhinos are giant, powerful herbivores with thick, armored skin, nearly invulnerable to most predators. |
Gorillas, the largest primates on Earth, are primarily herbivores and consume various fruits, leaves, and stems. Conversely, rhinos are herbivorous mammals that primarily eat grass, leaves, and shoots. |
With their powerful muscles and nimble hands, Gorillas are adept at climbing, swinging, and manipulating objects. On the other hand, rhinos are known for their strength and excellent sense of smell. They can run up to 30 miles per hour and charge at a speed of 35 miles per hour. |
Gorillas, for instance, are some of the largest primates in the world, known for their impressive strength and intelligence. These magnificent creatures demonstrate complex social behavior, with intricate communication systems and tight-knit family groups. In contrast, rhinos are giant, powerful herbivores with thick, armored skin, nearly invulnerable to most predators |
Wrapping Up With The Gorilla Vs. Black Rhinoceros
We have gone through the in-depth comparisons between gorillas and black rhinos – truly remarkable animals with a special place in their natural environments.
Even though they differ significantly in size, shape, habitat, behavior, and diet preferences, one thing is certain – these two beasts are matched equally regarding awe-inspiring strength and beauty.
Overall, as we bring this comparison to an end, let us be reminded to support the efforts of conservationists worldwide doing their part to ensure these captivating creatures remain a part of our planet’s endless wildlife!
Thanks for reading along! If you enjoyed this article, check out these links: Gorilla and the Brown Bear, Wild Showdown: Gorilla versus Bighorn Sheep, and African Elephant compared to the Indian Rhinoceros.
- Squirrel vs Hawk - May 31, 2023
- Meet Illinois’s Coyote Population| Everything You Need To Know - May 31, 2023
- Meet Florida’s Alligator Population - May 31, 2023