Kingdom : Animalia Class : Mammalia Family : Hominidae Scientific Name : Gorilla Gorilla Gorilla Size(H) : 1.4m - 1.7m (4.7ft - 5.5ft) Weight : 100kg - 200kg (220lbs - 440lbs) Top Speed : 40km/h (25mph) Life Span : 35 - 50 years Colour : Black, Grey Skin Type : Hair Special Features : Large head and long arms
- The Western Lowland Gorilla is a mammal found in the forests of Africa.
- It is slightly smaller than other gorillas, with dark fur and small eyes.
- They live in groups on the jungle floor although they can climb trees.
- Troops consists of one male leader called silver backs, younger males, females and babies.
- The leader can be identified by the patch of silver fur on his back.
- The leader organizes the daily activities of his group like eating, resting, travelling etc.
- They usually eat fruits but also eat leaves, nuts, small animals and insects.
- They are intelligent animals and even fashion tools on their own for gathering food.
- They have also been taught sign language and respond well to human training.
- Although they look fearsome they are wary of humans and tend to keep away.
- Main predators of the Western Lowland Gorilla are large cats like leopards and crocodiles.
- Gestation period of these Gorillas is 9 months and average litter size is 1.
- Young gorillas often behave like small children – climbing trees, chasing one another and playing.
- They are critically endangered as they face threats due to hunting and habitat loss.
- They are prone to diseases and Ebola has recently killed many of these gorillas.
- Western Lowland Gorillas have a lifespan of 35 – 50 years on an average.