lowland gorilla

The lowland gorilla, a subspecies of the western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), is the largest of the apes and a close relative to humans, sharing a common ancestor about 10 million years ago. These mammals inhabit the tropical rainforests of equatorial Africa, specifically from Cameroon to the Congo River.1

Lowland gorillas are robust with thick chests, protruding abdomens, and black skin and hair. Adult males, known as silverbacks due to the gray saddle of hair on their backs, are significantly larger than females, weighing up to 485 pounds and standing about 5.5 feet tall. They are diurnal and primarily terrestrial, using knuckle-walking for locomotion. Their diet is largely vegetarian, with western gorillas consuming more fruit than their eastern counterparts.1

Gorillas live in stable family groups led by one or more silverback males. Despite their power, they are generally shy unless disturbed. Sadly, lowland gorillas are classified as critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching, although a large population was discovered in 2008 in the Republic of the Congo.12