# Gorilla (*Gorilla gorilla*)

> Gorillas are the largest living primates, with dominant males (silverbacks) weighing up to 200 kg (440 lb). They are gentle, highly intelligent herbivores native to the forests of central Africa, living in close-knit family groups. Wild gorillas typically live 35 to 40 years.

- **Category:** Mammal
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Critically Endangered
- **Range:** The tropical and montane rainforests of central Africa.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/gorilla/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Mammalia
- **Order:** Primates
- **Family:** Hominidae
- **Genus:** Gorilla

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Gorilla gorilla |
| Diet | Herbivore (mostly) |
| Habitat | Tropical and montane forest |
| Lifespan | 35–40 years in the wild |
| Weight | 70–200 kg (150–440 lb) |
| Height | Up to 1.8 m (6 ft) standing |
| Conservation status | Critically Endangered (IUCN) |

## Intelligence and social life

Gorillas live in stable family groups led by a single dominant male called a silverback, named for the silver hair across his back. They are remarkably intelligent: they use tools, recognize themselves in mirrors, and some captive gorillas have learned hundreds of sign-language gestures. Group members communicate through more than 20 distinct vocalizations.

## Diet and strength

Gorillas are mostly herbivores, eating leaves, stems, shoots, fruit, and occasionally insects. An adult can eat up to 18 kg (40 lb) of vegetation a day. Despite their plant-based diet, silverbacks are extraordinarily strong, capable of lifting many times their own body weight, though they rarely use that strength aggressively.

## Habitat and range

Gorillas live only in the tropical and montane forests of central Africa, split into western and eastern species. They build a fresh nest of branches and leaves to sleep in each night, on the ground or in trees, and travel through their home range feeding as they go.

## Conservation

Both gorilla species are endangered, and the western lowland gorilla is Critically Endangered, threatened by poaching, disease such as Ebola, and habitat loss from logging and mining. Conservation programs, protected parks, and carefully managed gorilla tourism are central to their survival.

## Social groups

Gorillas live in stable family groups led by a dominant adult male known as a silverback, named for the silver hair across his back. The silverback makes decisions, mediates conflicts, and protects the group, which usually includes several females and their young.

## Diet and intelligence

Gorillas are mainly herbivores, eating leaves, stems, shoots, and fruit, and they are highly intelligent. Some have learned sign language in captivity, and wild gorillas have been seen using simple tools such as sticks to test the depth of water before crossing.

## Frequently asked questions

### Are gorillas dangerous?

Gorillas are generally shy and peaceful. A silverback may charge to defend his group, but this is usually a bluff display rather than a genuine attack.

### Are gorillas endangered?

Yes. Both gorilla species are Endangered or Critically Endangered, threatened by poaching, habitat loss, and disease such as Ebola.

### How strong is a gorilla?

Gorillas are among the strongest primates on Earth. A silverback can lift several times its own body weight, with estimates often cited around 800 to 900 kg, far beyond what a trained human can manage.

### What do gorillas eat?

Gorillas are mainly herbivores, eating leaves, shoots, stems, bark, and fruit, plus the occasional insect. An adult can consume up to 18 kg (40 lb) of vegetation in a single day.

### Are gorillas dangerous to humans?

Gorillas are generally shy and peaceful and avoid conflict. A silverback may charge to defend its family, but this is usually a bluff. Attacks on humans are rare and almost always defensive.

### How long do gorillas live?

Wild gorillas typically live 35 to 40 years. In captivity, with veterinary care and a steady food supply, some gorillas have lived into their 50s.

### Why are gorillas endangered?

Gorillas are endangered mainly because of poaching, disease such as Ebola, and habitat loss from logging, mining, and farming. The western lowland gorilla is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN.

## Sources

- [Hickey, J. R. et al. (2020). Gorilla gorilla. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/9404/136250858)
- Schaller, G. B. (1963). The Mountain Gorilla: Ecology and Behavior. University of Chicago Press.
- Fossey, D. (1983). Gorillas in the Mist. Houghton Mifflin.
- Nowak, R. M. (1999). Walker's Mammals of the World (6th ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press.

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/gorilla/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.