Introduction
The gorilla is the largest of the great apes. After the chimpanzee, it is the closest living
relative to humans. Although gorillas have been portrayed in books and movies as fierce
creatures, they are actually very peaceful and gentle animals.
Where Gorillas Live
There are three kinds of gorillas: the western lowland gorilla, the eastern lowland gorilla, and
the mountain gorilla. All three live in Africa. The western lowland gorilla is found in the
tropical rain forests of West Africa. The eastern lowland gorilla and the mountain gorilla live
in the rain forests of east-central Africa.
Physical Features
Gorillas are powerful animals. Males are about twice as heavy as females and may grow as
tall as 5.5 feet (1.7 meters). Males living in the wild may weigh as much as 300 to 600
pounds (140 to 270 kilograms). Captive gorillas can be much heavier.
Adult gorillas have long, strong arms and short, stocky legs. The chest is very thick and
strong. Gorillas have black skin and hair, large nostrils, and deep-set eyes. They are larger
than chimpanzees but have smaller ears. Their face, hands, and feet do not have hair. Males
have a bony crest on top of the head and a “saddle” of gray or silver hairs on the lower part of
the back. For this reason, older males are called silverbacks.
Behavior
Gorillas are active during the day. They live in family groups of 6 to 20 animals that are led
by one or two silverback males. Gorillas walk on all four limbs, supporting part of their
weight on the knuckles of its hands. They rarely stand up straight. Gorillas spend most of
their time on the ground, but they can climb trees to feed.
Gorillas eat a vegetarian diet that includes such foods as leaves, stalks, and shoots. Much of a
gorilla's day is spent feeding and resting. At dusk, each gorilla builds a nest of branches and
leaves. Gorillas make a new nest each night, either on the ground or in the trees.
Although they can appear ferocious when faced with an outsider, gorillas are rarely
aggressive. However, the male leader will defend the group if danger threatens. He may beat
his chest, make loud sounds, and make short rushes toward the intruder.
Life Cycle
A female gorilla in the wild gives birth about once every four years. She usually has only one
baby. A newborn gorilla weighs only about 4.5 pounds (2 kilograms) and is helpless for the
first three months of life. The young gorilla sleeps in its mother's nest at night and rides on
her back during the day. The life expectancy of a wild gorilla is about 30 years. Captive
gorillas have lived into their 40s.
Ecological Issues
Gorillas have become increasingly rare. Humans have cut down much of the apes' forest
home for farming and logging. Illegal hunting has threatened gorillas as well. The mountain
gorilla is considered endangered. Fewer than 1,000 of these apes remain in the wild.
