Where are Gorilla found in the wild?

In the lush, green forests of Africa, gorillas find their home among thick vegetation and towering trees. These magnificent mammals thrive in tropical forests and mountainous regions, where they can climb high and munch on delicious leaves and fruits.

"Western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)" by Mira Meijer Burgers' Zoo is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Gorilla

Meet the gentle giants of the African forests!

"Western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)" by Mira Meijer Burgers' Zoo is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Basics

Scientific Name

Gorilla gorilla

Conservation Status

Critically Endangered

Location

Central Africa

Average size

4 to 6 feet tall

diet

Leaves, fruit, insects

lifespan

35 to 40 years

Let’s Explore

Overview

Gorillas are amazing mammals that live in the dense forests of Africa. They belong to the primate order and are part of the family called Hominidae, which also includes humans. These majestic creatures can stand about 1.2 to 1.8 meters (4 to 6 feet) tall when upright, making them some of the largest primates on the planet!
Gorillas have a sturdy build with thick arms and strong bodies, perfect for climbing trees and foraging for food. Their diets mainly consist of leafy greens, fruits, and even insects, making them plant-loving giants in the animal kingdom.
These gentle giants can live for 35 to 40 years in the wild, showing their long-lasting presence in their habitats. Gorillas are known for their strong family bonds and social structures, often living in groups called troops led by a dominant male, known as a silverback due to the silver hair that develops on his back as he ages.
Gorillas communicate using a variety of sounds and gestures, making them quite the chatty creatures among their friends. They express emotions like happiness, sadness, and playfulness just like we do, showcasing their intelligent nature and deep social connections.
These fascinating animals have a unique way of moving around the forest. Most of the time, they walk on all fours, using their knuckles to support their weight, which looks quite the workout for their strong arms! Watching a gorilla swing through the trees like a pro is a sight you won’t forget, combining strength and grace in one impressive package.

Where can you find a Gorilla in the wild?

What does a Gorilla eat?

How big can a Gorilla grow?

How long does a Gorilla typically live?

What is the conservation status of the Gorilla?

What are the main threats to the Gorilla?

wowzerful facts

Gorillas can show emotions just like humans! They laugh when they play and even pout when they feel sad or grumpy.

A family of gorillas is called a troop, and the group usually includes one dominant male, several females, and their young. This silverback male keeps everyone safe and leads the troop in their daily adventures.

Gorillas have unique fingerprints, similar to humans. These prints help researchers identify and track them in the wild, just like a personal ID!

Sometimes gorillas use tools! They can break sticks to poke at insects or dig into the ground to find tasty roots, showing off their cleverness.

Young gorillas are playful and curious. They often swing from branches, chase each other, and tumble on the ground, keeping their spirits high in the lush forests.

Gorillas can eat a lot—up to 30 kilograms (66 pounds) of food in a day! That’s like munching on a whole bag of salad every single day.

They spend most of their day eating, sleeping, and playing, but gorillas can also be quite the conversationalists, grunting, or hooting to communicate with their friends.

Their strong arms make them great climbers, allowing them to reach the tastiest fruits high up in the trees. It looks like they enjoy a good workout while eating!

Gorillas sleep in nests they make from leafy branches. Each night, they create a cozy bed, making sure to have sweet dreams under the stars!

Female gorillas usually give birth to one baby at a time, and after a gorilla mom gives birth, she cares for her baby for about three to four years, showing her dedication and love.