What is a Gorilla?
Gorillas are big, wild animals that belong to the ape family, just like chimpanzees and orangutans.
They are one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom—they share about 98% of their DNA with humans!
For example, if you look closely at a gorilla’s face, you’ll notice it looks a bit like a human’s face!
Where Do Gorillas Live?
Gorillas live in the forests and mountains of central Africa.
They like rainforests, where it is warm and there are lots of trees and plants.
Main homes of gorillas:
Tropical rainforests
Mountain forests
Swampy forests
For example, gorillas live in countries like Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.
What Do Gorillas Look Like?
Gorillas are covered with black or dark brown hair, except on their face, hands, and feet.
They have big heads, strong arms, and large chests. Adult males often develop a silver-colored back.
That’s why they are called “Silverbacks. ”
Features:
Broad chest
Long arms (longer than their legs)
No tail
Flat nose
For example, a Silverback looks like a bodybuilder with a gray stripe on his back!
How Big Are Gorillas?
Gorillas are the largest primates in the world.
Male Gorilla:
Height: Up to 6 feet tall when standing
Weight: 140–200 kg (over 300 pounds!)
Female Gorilla:
Smaller and lighter than males
For example, a full-grown male gorilla can weigh more than three adult humans combined!
What Do Gorillas Eat?
Gorillas are herbivores.
That means they only eat plants.
Their favorite foods:
Leaves
Fruits
Stems
Bark
Shoots
Sometimes, they may eat small insects like ants or termites.
For example, a gorilla can eat up to 30 kg (66 pounds) of food every day!
Types of Gorillas
There are two main species of gorillas, and each has two sub-species:
Western Gorilla
Western lowland gorilla
Cross River gorilla
Eastern Gorilla
Eastern lowland gorilla
Mountain gorilla
For example, the Mountain Gorilla lives high in the mountains and is covered in thick fur to stay warm.
How Do Gorillas Communicate?
Gorillas don’t use words, but they communicate using sounds, gestures, and facial expressions.
Ways they communicate:
Grunts and hoots for calling each other
Chest-beating to show strength or warn others
Facial expressions like smiling or frowning
For example, a gorilla might beat its chest to scare away danger—but it’s not always angry.
Sometimes it’s just showing off!
Family Life of Gorillas
Gorillas live in groups called troops or bands.
Each troop is led by a Silverback male.
The troop can have 5 to 30 gorillas.
Members of a troop:
One adult Silverback male (leader)
Several females
Their babies
For example, a gorilla family is just like a human family with a dad, mom, and kids!
Baby Gorillas
Baby gorillas are called infants.
They are very cute and playful!
Facts about baby gorillas:
Born after 8–9 months
Weigh about 4 pounds at birth
Ride on their mother’s back
Stay close to their moms for years
For example, baby gorillas love to climb, swing, and cuddle with their moms—just like human babies!
How Smart Are Gorillas?
Gorillas are very intelligent animals.
They can learn sign language, use tools, and solve puzzles.
Some famous smart gorillas:
Koko the gorilla learned over 1,000 signs to communicate with humans!
Gorillas have been seen using sticks to measure water depth before walking in.
For example, a gorilla may use a branch like a walking stick—just like people do!
Are Gorillas Dangerous?
Gorillas look strong and scary, but they are usually gentle and peaceful.
They only become aggressive when:
They feel threatened
Someone tries to hurt their family
For example, a gorilla may roar or beat its chest to warn you to stay away, not to fight.
