Gorillas are the largest living primates on the earth. Interestingly, they are more similar to humans than you might expect – 98% of our DNA is the same as a gorilla’s DNA! However, our similarities extend beyond our DNA. Gorillas experience emotions such as joy, sadness, and even grief. Let’s learn more about these incredible animals.
Some Quick “Animal” Facts
| Scientific Name | Gorilla beringei (Eastern Gorilla) / Gorilla gorilla (Western Gorilla) |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Size | Standing height of 4 to 6 feet when upright, weighing up to 440 pounds |
| Conservation Status | Critically Endangered (Eastern Gorilla) / Endangered (Western Gorilla) |
Gorilla Overview
Where do they live?
Gorillas live in the forests and mountainous regions of central Africa. Countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo receive thousands of tourists each year who come to witness these incredible animals.
What do they eat?
Gorillas are primarily herbivorous. Eating mostly fruits, leaves, and a wide range of plants. However, they eat insects now and then.
How do they reproduce?
Gorillas have a slow reproduction rate, and like other mammals, they reproduce sexually and give live birth. After a gestation period of about 8.5 months, females give birth to only a single infant. The infants are cared for closely by their mothers and remain with them for several years.
Social behavior
Gorillas live in groups called troops or bands of between 5 to 30 gorillas. These groups are led by dominant males that are known as silverbacks. These dominant silverbacks are often at the head of the group for many years. The adult females in the troop generally compete with one another to groom or stay close to the silverback.
Gorilla News Tags
-
Baby Gorilla Playfully Annoys Dad at Zoo
-
Gorilla Vs. Hippo
-
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Vs. Silverback Gorilla
-
The Epic Fight Between Mike Tyson and a Gorilla
-
The Greatest Showdown Between a Tiger and a Gorilla
-
Ultimate Battle Between Gorilla and Eagle
-
Rare Images of a Gorilla Petting a Groundhog
-
Woman Shares Treats With Gorillas She Helped Raise
-
Giant Gorilla Spotted on Baby Monitor Causes Panic but Turns Out to Be Optical Illusion
-
Gorilla at Toronto Zoo Addicted To Screens
-
Male Silverback Gorilla Born in Captivity Fathers Babies in the Wild for the First Time Ever
-
Giant Gorilla Surprises Photographer
Gorilla Conservation
Unfortunately, gorillas are facing the threat of extinction. Human activities such as habitat destruction and poaching are their biggest threats. Unfortunately, tourism is a double-edged sword as well because although it helps fund conservation practices, it puts the gorillas at risk. Humans can transmit diseases to them.
Conservation practices
| Habitat Preservation | Deforestation, mining, and agricultural expansion are threatening gorilla habitats. Conservation groups are working to secure protected areas and national parks to help protect their populations. |
| Anti-Poaching Measures | Unfortunately, gorillas are still being killed for bushmeat, and traditional medicine and taken for the illegal pet trade |
| Disease Control | To help manage diseases in gorilla populations, conservation measures include monitoring health and disease exposure. This includes vaccinating where possible and implementing measures to reduce human-gorilla contact. |
| Research and Monitoring | Long-term research helps conservationists understand threats and the effectiveness of different protection measures. |
Gorilla Pictures
Gorilla History & Cultural Importance
For centuries, local African tribes have respected gorillas. They believed that they were powerful ancestors or spirits of the forest. In more modern times, gorillas have been featured in literature and media. In 1933, King Kong first premiered. This story touched on themes of exploitation and misunderstanding. Today gorillas serve as a flagship species for conservation.
Gorilla FAQ
Gorillas can live around 40 years in the wild, and even longer in captivity.
Gorillas have been observed using sticks to determine water depth when moving through swamps. Additionally, some gorillas have been seen using leaves, sponges, or cups to collect and drink water. They are extremely intelligent, as I mentioned earlier, and they share 98% of the same genes as we do! One gorilla, Koko, was taught sign language and used human-made objects to communicate with her caregivers.
Gorillas will only show aggression when they feel threatened. The leader of the group might show aggression if they feel the need to protect their group.
Learn More About Gorillas Here
Jump to our dedicated Primates page to explore other fascinating animals in this group!
Newest Category: Gorillas
Please send any feedback to Feedback@animalsaroundtheglobe.com
- Watch: The Fierce Loyalty of Wild Dogs Against a Lion - September 8, 2024
- Watch: An Impala Tries Jumping Over Lions in a Desperate Attempt to Escape - September 8, 2024
- Emotional Picture of An Armed Guard and One of the Last Northern White Rhinos in the World Goes Viral - September 7, 2024