Western Lowland Gorilla

More Information

Physical Description

Western lowland gorillas, one of the largest living primates, can grow up to six feet tall and over 400 pounds. All gorillas have a black coat, but adult males also have a silvery-white “saddle” on their back. Gorillas are herbivorous, primarily feeding on leaves, stems, and fruit. Troops are made up of a dominant silverback, multiple females, and their young. Mating is non-seasonal and offspring are born after nine months. After maturing, males leave to form their own troop or join a bachelor group while females leave to join another established group.

Interesting Fact 1

Gorillas form a tight-knit family group protected by a silverback. They are very gentle, sensitive, and intelligent.

Interesting Fact 2

While displaying their most famous gesture, gorillas stand on their back two legs and beat their chest with open hands—not clenched fists as often shown on television.

Interesting Fact 3

Lincoln Park Zoo scientists study gorillas through behavior and health monitoring, voluntary tool-use studies, and computer touchscreen sessions.