Facts About Gorillas

Gorillas are among the most fascinating creatures on Earth—majestic, intelligent, and deeply social animals that share an astonishing 98% of their DNA with humans. They are the largest living primates and one of our closest evolutionary relatives. Observing them in the wild, especially in the misty mountains of Central Africa, offers an intimate glimpse into the world of a species that mirrors much of our own behavior, emotion, and family structure. Beyond their physical strength lies a gentle nature and complex social life that continues to captivate scientists, conservationists, and travelers alike.

Species and Subspecies of Gorillas

There are two main species of gorillas: the Eastern Gorilla (Gorilla beringei) and the Western Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla). Each species is further divided into two subspecies. The Eastern Gorilla includes the Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Eastern Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri) found in the forests of eastern Congo. The Western Gorilla includes the Western Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)—the most widespread and numerous—and the Cross River Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli), which is the rarest of all. Mountain gorillas, the most famous of these, inhabit the high-altitude forests of the Virunga Mountains and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. They are the only gorilla subspecies whose population is currently increasing, thanks to intensive conservation efforts.

Physical Characteristics

Gorillas are massive and muscular animals, built for both strength and stability. Adult males, known as silverbacks, are easily recognized by the distinctive patch of silvery-gray hair on their backs, which develops around the age of twelve. A fully grown silverback can weigh between 140–220 kilograms (310–485 pounds) and stand up to 1.7 meters (5.6 feet) tall when upright. Females are smaller, averaging 90–120 kilograms (200–265 pounds). Despite their formidable size, gorillas are primarily gentle and shy. They move using a method called knuckle-walking, where they support their weight on their knuckles as they walk on all fours. Their broad chests, long arms, and strong hands are perfectly adapted to life among dense forests and steep mountain slopes.

Behavior and Social Structure

Gorillas live in tightly knit family groups called troops or bands, usually led by a dominant silverback. This powerful male is both protector and decision-maker, guiding the group’s movements, settling disputes, and maintaining harmony. A typical group includes several females, their offspring, and sometimes younger subordinate males known as blackbacks. Communication within a gorilla family is rich and varied, involving over 25 distinct vocalizations along with gestures, postures, and facial expressions. They grunt, hoot, bark, and even belch to express emotions ranging from contentment to warning signals. Their social bonds are strong—mothers nurse and groom their young with tenderness, and juveniles play energetically, learning the behaviors that will sustain them as adults.

Diet and Feeding Habits

Gorillas are primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves, shoots, stems, fruits, and bark. In some regions, they occasionally consume insects like ants or termites for protein. Mountain gorillas, in particular, feed mostly on foliage rather than fruit, as fruit is less abundant in their high-altitude habitats. An adult gorilla can consume over 25 kilograms (55 pounds) of vegetation per day. Their feeding behavior plays a crucial ecological role, as they help disperse seeds and promote forest regeneration. Gorillas spend nearly half of their day foraging and eating, and the rest resting or socializing.

Habitat and Distribution

Gorillas inhabit the tropical and subtropical forests of Central Africa. The Mountain Gorillas live at elevations between 2,200 and 4,000 meters, where the air is cool and misty. Their home ranges include Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, and Congo’s Virunga National Park. The Lowland Gorillas, on the other hand, prefer dense rainforests and swampy lowlands across the Congo Basin, Gabon, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic. Each subspecies is uniquely adapted to its environment, shaping differences in size, diet, and behavior.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Female gorillas reach sexual maturity around 8–10 years of age, while males mature later, around 12–15 years. After a gestation period of about 8.5 months, a mother gives birth to a single infant, though twins are rare. Newborn gorillas weigh only around 2 kilograms (4.5 pounds) and are highly dependent on their mothers for care and protection. Infants cling to their mothers’ fur for the first few months and gradually begin to explore their surroundings by the age of six months. Weaning occurs at about three years old, but young gorillas remain close to their mothers for several more years. Gorillas can live up to 40–50 years in the wild, with some individuals in protected areas reaching even older ages.

Intelligence and Emotions

Gorillas are remarkably intelligent animals. They use tools in the wild, such as sticks to gauge water depth or branches to gather food. Captive studies have shown that gorillas can learn sign language, recognize themselves in mirrors, and display empathy, grief, and joy—traits once thought to be uniquely human. The late Koko the Gorilla, who learned over 1,000 signs and understood spoken English, became a global symbol of gorilla intelligence and emotional depth. Her interactions demonstrated that gorillas possess complex emotional lives and the capacity for affection and sorrow.

Conservation Status and Threats

Despite decades of conservation work, gorillas remain under threat. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), three of the four gorilla subspecies are critically endangered, and one is endangered. The main threats include habitat loss due to agriculture and logging, poaching for bushmeat or trophies, and diseases transmitted by humans. Civil unrest and population pressure in Central Africa have also contributed to habitat fragmentation. However, dedicated conservation programs, eco-tourism, and international collaboration have brought hope. In particular, the Mountain Gorilla population has risen from fewer than 300 individuals in the 1980s to over 1,000 today—a conservation success story driven by community involvement and sustainable tourism.

Role of Gorilla Tourism in Conservation

Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda has become one of Africa’s most successful conservation-based tourism initiatives. Revenue from permits directly supports park management and community development. Local people benefit through employment, education, and infrastructure, which strengthens their commitment to protecting gorillas rather than exploiting forest resources. Each visitor who purchases a gorilla trekking permit contributes to funding ranger patrols, veterinary care, and anti-poaching initiatives. This model has proven that wildlife conservation and tourism can coexist in harmony, ensuring a sustainable future for gorillas and their habitats.

Interesting Facts About Gorillas

Gorillas share 98.4% of their DNA with humans, making them our closest relatives after chimpanzees and bonobos. A silverback can lift more than 800 kilograms (1,760 pounds) in controlled tests, demonstrating immense strength. Despite their size, gorillas are primarily peaceful and rarely aggressive unless threatened. They sleep in nests made of leaves and branches, constructing new ones every night. Gorillas hum or sing softly while eating, showing contentment—a behavior scientists compare to humans enjoying a meal. Each gorilla has a unique nose print, much like human fingerprints, which researchers use for identification. They communicate through body language, chest beating, and over 25 vocal sounds. Wild gorillas never drink directly from rivers; they obtain moisture from their food and morning dew.