I recently learned that gorillas are actually big softies. Behind that frightening chest beating act, there’s actually a shy heart beating rapidly out of fear. They’re willing to get completely out of their comfort zones and put on a big show to protect their families. Isn’t that a comforting thought? Here are some more facts about these primates that may interest you.
1. Gorillas Are the Largest Living Primates
Out of all the primates that are still alive, gorillas are the largest. Adult male mountain gorillas can weigh up to 484 lbs., while females rarely weigh more than 215 lbs. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use the method of be bigger than the threat when a gorilla comes at you. These primates can be between 4 and 6 feet tall, which means they could probably outsize you in all ways. Oh, and did I mention that their arm spans average about 8 feet?
2. Gorillas Spend Most of their Time Eating
Gorillas, our hairy brothers from other mothers, are big eaters. These primates will win an eating contest like it’s no big deal. They consume more than 40 lbs. daily of everything green they find.
Unlike humans and the many other scary-looking animal species, gorillas are mainly herbivores. 97% of their diet consists of plants and leaves. I know what you’re thinking. What’s the other 3% and should we worry? That’s a big fat no from me. The very small portion belongs to ants, caterpillars and other little bugs.
Gorillas form a part of the list of animals that don’t need water. They get their hydration from their amazing diet and the plants they consume. When they’re really thirsty, they’ll simply lick a few droplets of morning dew off a plant. If you ask me, health influencers might as well call it a day and give up now.
3. Gorillas Are a Lot Like Humans
We humans and gorillas both belong to the primate species and we’re very much alike. When I say very, I mean we share 98.3% of our DNA with gorillas. That’s fascinating, right?
Gorillas are a lot like you and me. One of the things that make us pretty similar is how we reproduce. Humans are pregnant for 280 days, while gorillas carry their babies for 257 days. Just like us, they also give birth to a single baby at a time, with occasional twins here and there. Gorilla mommies also nurse their babies for the first 2 years after birth.
Another similarity between us is the diseases that we can contract. Just like you can catch a cold or Influenza, a gorilla can too. And just like I can contract Covid or Ebola, a gorilla can too. Now you know why they are so strict about sneezing or coughing on gorilla trekking expeditions.
4. Gorillas Have Unique Noses and Fingerprints
Gorillas are one of the few animal species that have fingerprints. You may have heard that all primate species have unique fingerprints, and this is probably old news. However, since gorillas are extra special, they also have unique nose prints. There’s no doubt about it – every single gorilla you’ll ever encounter (both in the wild and in captivity) is 100% unique.
5. Gorillas Can Use Tools
It’s common knowledge that chimpanzees are able to use tools in remarkable ways. But did you know that gorillas can also make and use their own tools? They use long sticks to see how deep water is and to forage for food. They also break rocks and sharpen the edges to scrape bark from trees.
6. Gorillas Are Critically Endangered
Not all facts about gorillas are fun. Unfortunately, mountain gorillas are critically endangered thanks to war, habitat loss, diseases, and poaching. If you think about it, our own kind caused the majority of these issues. Fortunately, there are solutions. There are many ways to protect local wildlife and if we work together, we can help gorilla populations to grow again.
7. Gorillas Have Amazing Language Skills
There are many aspects of their language abilities that you may find pretty amazing. For one, they have around 22 different calls of their own that they use to communicate with other gorillas. Compare that to the 6 vocal sounds of a donkey and the 10 of a dog and you’ll see why that’s a fun fact.
What’s more, gorillas are able to understand and learn a language. They’re also one of the few animals that can learn sign language. Have you heard about the ever-so-popular and beloved gorillas, Koko and Michael? They learned more than 2000 words in Spoken English and more than 1000 in sign language.
8. Gorillas Turn Gray as They Age
When a male gorilla reaches puberty and becomes an adult, the hairs on his back will start turning gray. This is how you know that he has reached maturity. From this moment on – we start referring to him as a silverback. Gorillas typically reach puberty at the age of 11-13, but they only start turning gray when they turn 15-20.
9. Gorillas Cast Out Matured Males
These silverbacks don’t have a guaranteed spot in their family group. Every group has an elected male that leads and protects the females and children. To prevent conflict, only one silverback can stay in a group. They cast out the rest of them to find a female with whom they start their own family group.
10. Gorillas Build Their Own Sleep Nests
Somewhere somehow, these great apes still find time to build their own sleep nests. That’s between eating for at least half of the day and sleeping for about 12 hours. And we complain about not having enough time.
Gorillas have a set routine. They gather vegetation to make their comfy resting spots an hour before the sun sets. This ensures that they’ll be in bed before it’s dark. They rarely sleep in the same nest twice and young gorillas sleep with their mommies until a new infant comes along.
