About Gorillas

Gorilla Facts

In the 5th century it is recorded that the a gorilla was spotted  by the first person from the western world, a Roman explorer

Types of Gorilas

There are 3 subspecies of gorillas depending on who you listen to since these distinctions are very slight. All these are found in the African continent ranging from the west African country of Cameroon to the East African country of Uganda. These are;

* Western Lowland Gorilla (gorilla gorilla)

* Eastern Lowland Gorilla (gorilla graueri)

* Mountain Gorilla (gorilla berengei)

Distribution Of Gorilla Subspecies

Western Lowland Gorillas

Despite the many hazards that these gorillas faces such as poaching for bush meat there are an estimated 10,000-35,000 lowland gorillas living in the wild, however, there are also those living in captivity in various zoos around the world. Those living in the wild are found in the African countries of Cameroon, Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and Gabon

Eastern Lowland Gorillas (Gorilla Graueri)

Approximately 4,000 free-living. Less than 24 in captivity. Found in eastern Zaire.

Mountain  Gorillas

Approximately 800 free-living. Zero in captivity. Found in 285 square miles in the rain forests of Rwanda, Uganda and Zaire.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Height:

Males 5′6″ upright, 4′6″ normal stance. Females 5′ upright, 3′6″ – 4′ normal stance.

Weight:

Males 300-500 lbs. Females 150-250 lbs. Babies from one to three years weigh between 20-30 lbs.

Arm Span:

Up to 9′2” (one male specimen).

Color:

Black or brown-gray fur with black skin on chests, palms and faces. Red heads are common in Camaroon gorillas especially. Males develop a silver back as they mature.

Stance:

Gorillas are quadrupedal. They walk on all fours with the soles of their feet flat on the ground and the knuckles of the hands curled and planted on the ground.

Recognition:
Gorillas recognize each other by their faces and body shapes. Each gorilla has a unique nose print. The differences between mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas are slight and result mainly from adaptation to high altitudes. Mountain gorillas have longer body hair, higher foreheads, longer palates, larger nostrils, broader chests, shorter arms, shorter, wider hands and feet.

GROWTH/MATURATION

Gestation is 8-1/2 months. There are typically 3-4 years between births. Infants stay with their mothers for 3-4 years. Females mature at 10-12 years (earlier in captivity); males 11-13 years, sometimes sooner if they assume leadership early. Lifespan is between 30-50 years.

EATING

Gorillas eat some 200 types of leaves, tubers, flowers, fruit, fungus and some insects. Favorite foods include bamboo, thistles and wild celery. Gorillas do not drink water. They obtain all the moisture they need from the vast amounts of foliage they consume. Males consume approximately 50 lbs. a day.

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