Gorilla vs. African Elephant

Let’s explore these animals’ distinct characteristics and compare them side-by-side to determine which is truly the king of the jungle!

Gorillas are the largest primates on the planet, with the ability to reach heights of up to 6 feet and weigh between 300 to 400 pounds. African elephants are the world’s largest land animals, growing up to 13 feet tall and weighing up to 7 tons.

Comparing - Size

Gorillas have enormous strength, with an estimated 2,000 pounds of ground-level pulling power. An African elephant’s trunk alone can lift a whopping 550 pounds!

Comparing - Strength

Gorillas are herbivores, eating a plant-based diet such as fruits, leaves, stems, roots, and bark.  African elephants are herbivores that mainly eat grasses, leaves, fruits, twigs, and bark. They  supplement their diets with soil for minerals or tree bark for salt.

Comparing - Diet

Gorillas live in tropical or subtropical forests of central Africa and inhabit areas between 400-3200m above sea level. African elephants roam savannas, woodlands, and forests of sub-Saharan Africa.

Comparing - Habitat

Gorillas often live in family groups led by a dominant silverback male responsible for protecting the group from predators. African elephants have complex social structures within herds led by matriarchal females who form strong family bonds with their young ones.

Comparing - Behavior

The African elephant is much bigger than the gorilla. An adult male African elephant can reach heights of up to 13 feet (4 meters) and weigh up to 7 tons (6,300 kgs). Regarding bulk and muscle mass, gorillas have the edge over elephants with their powerful muscular frames and long appendages.

Size Matters

Gorillas live in social groups of two to 30 individuals, known as troops or bands. African elephants form even larger herds—usually averaging 10–15 members but occasionally totaling 400 individuals!

Strength In Numbers

Hierarchy amongst the gorilla troop is important for their survival. To protect their home turf  gorillas display aggressive behaviors such as chest beating, throwing rocks and sticks and roaring to threaten intruders.

Territorial Disputes

African elephants exhibit several behaviors to protect their territory, including trumpeting loudly and raising dust clouds with their trunks or feet. Additionally, they may charge intruders with tusks lowered or circle them to ward off any potential threats.

Territorial Disputes

We hope our overview of Gorillas versus African elephants has helped you fully appreciate both species and recognize why they are such powerful contenders in the animal kingdom.

Wrapping Up

There is still more to learn about these incredible creatures!

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