The Western lowland gorilla (or Gorilla gorilla gorilla) is native to Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of the Congo and Southern Niger, living and foraging in the rainforests, swamp forests and abandoned farmland there. They have black skin, dark forward-facing eyes, a prominent brow ridge, large nostrils and coarse hair which covers most of their body except the face, ears, hands and feet. Males are much larger than females and, when they mature, the hair on their backs becomes grey and they are identified as ‘silverbacks’. Gorillas live in small groups with a silverback in control of the females, younger males and juveniles.
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Gorilla gorilla gorilla
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Animal Facts
Gorillas create and use tools, using branches they have modified to get food that is out of reach, or to measure the depth of water.
Gorillas have been taught sign language successfully – Koko the gorilla, born in San Francisco Zoo, learned over 1100 signs.
Gorillas are the largest primate species.
Gorillas are incredibly important to the forests in which they live because their feeding and roaming habits disperse fruit seeds.
Gorillas build nests daily that they sleep in at night; these nests are usually in trees.