The Gorilla There are two different gorilla species (each with two sub-species). The Western Gorilla has the sub-species: Western Lowland Gorilla and Cross River Gorilla; while the Eastern Gorilla has the sub-species: Mountain Gorilla and Eastern Lowland Gorilla. The two species live in central Africa, separated by a vast swathe of rainforest. Gorillas are considered the largest primate! The biggest species of gorilla can weigh up to 450 pounds for males and 300 pounds for females. They are about 5’5” when standing upright. Gorillas use all of their limbs while they walk, a technique called “knuckle-walking”. Western subspecies look mostly grey, while the Eastern subspecies have a more black coat. Gorillas are herbivores, which means they only eat plants! A majority of the gorilla’s day is spent eating bamboo, leafy plants and sometimes small insects. It isn’t uncommon for a male gorilla to eat up to 40 pounds of food! Gorillas also can make and use tools to help them retrieve food. Mothers often only have one baby at a time, but some cases of twins have been documented. Mothers carry the baby gorilla against their chest for the first few months after they are born, and then carry their babies on their backs. Gorillas are known to be some of the most nurturing animals, and the babies typically are carried with the mother for 2.5 years. Gorillas build nests in which to sleep, both on the ground and in trees, made of leaves and branches.
Gorillas face a lot of threats now. Only 700 mountain gorillas live in the wild today, and all gorilla populations are shrinking because of habitat loss and poaching caused by human populations. Climate change can also hurt mountain gorillas in their elevated habitat. Did You Know? • Gorillas have unique noseprints, much like human fingerprints, which can be used to identify individuals. • Male gorillas are often called “silverbacks” because of their distinctive silver fur on their back. • Gorillas are considered very intelligent! A study conducted by a zoo once taught a gorilla named Koko how to speak sign language! Another gorilla named Michael learned it as well. • Scientists have shown that gorillas display individual personalities. • Gorillas have been observed displaying emotions such as grief. • A gorilla can live up to 50 years!
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