8 Jaw-Dropping Facts About Gorillas

Did you know that the largest primates, gorillas, can reach heights of six feet and possess complex social systems similar to humans? They are not only over ten times stronger than humans, but they also share emotional characteristics such as laughter, sadness, and various emotional states. 

Are you curious to learn more about these fascinating creatures? We’ve curated a list of facts about gorillas that highlight their most jaw-dropping features.

8 Jaw-Dropping Facts About Gorillas

1: Gorillas Come In Two Types: Eastern and Western

Gorillas are divided into two types—eastern and western. These types are further classified into subspecies such as eastern lowland gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri), eastern mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei), western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), and western cross-river gorillas (Gorilla gorilla diehli).

• Eastern gorillas are the largest gorilla species, living in cooler mountain forests in East Africa
• Western gorillas live in warmer rainforests and swampy lowlands in West and Central Africa. 

2: Gorillas Live in Groups Led by a Dominant Silverback Male

Gorillas are gregarious and love being social. They live in family groups known as troops, with an average troop size of five to ten gorillas. These groups are polygamous, led by a single adult male known as a silverback, who mates with the females. Young gorillas stay with the troops until maturity. All males and 60% of females migrate to new troops to prevent inbreeding and maintain genetic diversity.

3: Gorillas Share 98% DNA Similarity With Humans

Yes, one of the facts about gorillas is that they share 98% similarity with humans. These large animals are not only powerful but also exhibit exceptional intelligence, sensitivity, and emotional depth. This similarity of 98% of the genetic code with humans makes gorillas one of our closest living relatives, along with chimps and bonobos.

4: Gorillas Use Various Ways to Communicate

Gorillas have mastered communication, using over 25 vocalizations to express a variety of emotions. 

Koko, a female western lowland gorilla, has learned over 1,000 sign language gestures and understands more than 2,000 English words. She had a sense of humor and human-like emotions, and her language comprehension abilities were similar to those of a young child. Koko also created stunning paintings and took one of the first animal selfies in 1978, demonstrating her exceptional abilities.

5: Gorillas Are Intelligent Animals That Use Natural Tools

One of the most fascinating facts about gorillas is their impressive intelligence, which enables them to use natural tools. Scientists have observed wild gorillas using sticks to measure river and stream depth, bamboo ladders for baby gorillas, and twigs for cutting and catching insects.

6: Gorillas Can Live Over 40 Years

Typically, gorillas live 35-40 years in the wild but can live for more than 50 years in captivity. Fatou, a West African gorilla, was brought to France in 1959 and later acquired by the Berlin Zoo, becoming the world’s oldest gorilla. Recently, Berlin’s Zoo celebrated Fatou’s 67th birthday in 2024.

7: No Two Gorillas Have the Same Nose Print

Yes, akin to the fingerprints of humans, gorillas have distinct nose prints. Researchers identify individual gorillas based on their distinctive nose prints. Amongst all gorilla subspecies, mountain gorillas possess the most evident nose prints.

8: Gorillas Can Weigh Over 200 KG (440 lbs)

Gorillas’ weight varies from subspecies. Males are twice heavier than females, reaching heights of 1.7 meters and weighing 297-485 lb (135-220 kg), whereas adult females stand 1.5 meters tall and weigh 154-200 lb (70-90 kg). 

The Western lowland adult male gorillas are 1.7 meters long and weigh 374 lb (169 kg), while females are 1.5 meters long and weigh 158 lb (71 kg). Mountain gorillas can weigh up to 484 lb (220 kg). 

Furthermore, adult male eastern lowland gorillas can weigh up to 484 lb (220 kg), and females up to 176 lb (80 kg). In contrast, cross river gorillas are difficult to study due to their shy nature, with an adult male weighing approximately 396 lb (180 kg).

Conclusion

The above-discussed facts about gorillas reveal that they are a diverse species with complex social structures and advanced communication abilities. Besides being classified as Eastern or Western, and sharing 98% of their DNA with humans, gorillas exhibit remarkable intelligence. 

There are more lesser-known facts about gorillas that further highlight their unique adaptations and the profound connections they share with us, making them truly captivating creatures worthy of admiration and protection.

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