Western Lowland Gorilla

Humans have been fascinated by gorillas since first discovering them in their rainforest habitats.  They are intelligent, curious, strong and gentle creatures.  Like many of the world’s large animals, gorillas are rare.  Humans can protect them by protecting their rainforest homes and learning more about their needs.

Physical Description

Along with Mountain Gorillas and Eastern Lowland Gorillas, Western Lowland Gorillas are the world’s largest apes.  They can grow from 4 feet to just over 6 feet tall and weigh up to 450 pounds.  Males are bigger than females.  Western Lowland Gorillas have short thick blackish fur covering most of their bodies.  They have bare faces, hands, feet and chests (males).  Males have a high mound on their head called a crest.  Older male gorillas also have gray fur on their backs and hind legs.  We call these animals Silverbacks.

Family Life

Gorilla mothers have 1 baby at a time.  They are born into a family group called a troop, of up to 35 animals. They will stay with the troop for most or all of their lives.  Baby gorillas cling to their mom’s belly for the first 6 months and then ride on her back for much of the next 3 years.  Gorillas within the troop protect each other.  The Silverback leads and protects the troop.

Diet

Mostly leaves, seeds, fruit and sometimes insects