Gorilla
Africa
The gorilla is the largest ape on Earth, and it shares 98% of its genes with humans. The male leader's back turns silver, so he's called a "silverback." It may look scary, but it's actually gentle and cares deeply for its family.
Quick facts
- Habitat
- It lives in the rainforests and mountain forests of central Africa.
- Diet
- It's a plant-eater that eats leaves, stems, and fruit.
- Size and weight
- Height 1.4–1.8m, weight 100–200kg.
- Lifespan
- 35–40 years
- Conservation status
- Critically Endangered
- Fun facts
- Just like human fingerprints, every gorilla's nose print is different!
When it's happy, it beats its chest and hums.
Learn more
Overwhelming physique, surprising vegetarian
The gentle giant of the forest — all about gorillas
- Our close relative, sharing 98% of its genes with humans.
- It boasts the largest body size of any primate on Earth.
- Despite its fearsome looks, it's a peaceful animal that mainly enjoys grass and fruit.
A jaw stronger than any big cat
Tremendous strength evolved for a plant-based diet
- Its bite force reaches an incredible 600–700kg, far exceeding that of a lion or tiger.
- With arms spanning up to 2.6m wide, it has overwhelmingly powerful upper-body muscles.
- This tremendous strength evolved so it could chew and crush tough bamboo and plants all day long.
The real reason it beats its chest
A drumbeat of communication, not anger
- It's not an expression of rage, but a peaceful signal announcing its presence and avoiding unnecessary fights.
- It's a sophisticated form of communication — pursing its lips, standing on two legs, then beating its chest to make sound.
- Amplified through a special air sac, this sound can travel up to 2km through the forest.
A smart brain that uses tools
An ape that bonds deeply with humans
- It shows wisdom by using a branch like a walking stick to test the water's depth when crossing a swamp.
- It skillfully uses stones like a hammer and anvil to crack open tough palm nuts.
- With remarkable empathy, some gorillas have even learned sign language, conversing and sharing deep emotions with humans.
A gentle leader with silver fur
The silverback, protector of the troop
- A mature male grows silver fur on his back, becoming the 'silverback,' the leader responsible for the troop's safety and movement.
- Despite his huge size, he's a very affectionate, devoted father who carries baby gorillas on his back and plays along with them.
- Recently, in places like Rwanda, huge 'super groups' of up to 65 gorillas living together have been observed.