Gorillas are the biggest primates on Earth and can only be found in Africa. There are two main types of gorillas: mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas. Mountain gorillas live in the high mountains of Central Africa, while lowland gorillas live in the flat, thick forests of Central and Western Africa.
Gorillas live in groups called troops or bands, which can have up to 50 members. These groups are led by a strong male called a Silverback, who has a unique gray stripe of hair on his back. In the wild, gorillas usually live for about 35 years, but in zoos, they can live for over 50 years.
Mountain gorillas have long black hair and strong bodies. Lowland gorillas look similar but have red patches of fur on their heads and sides, and their hair is thinner than that of mountain gorillas.
Gorillas mostly eat plants, like wild celery, shoots, roots, fruits, tree bark, and tree pith. They can eat up to 40 pounds (about 18 kg) of plants each day. Sometimes, they also eat small animals and insects.
Mountain gorillas live in the green volcanic mountains of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Lowland gorillas live in the forests of Central and Western Africa, in countries like Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A group of gorillas can have a home area as big as 16 square miles (41 square kilometers).
Female gorillas are pregnant for about nine months and usually have one baby at a time. Newborn gorillas weigh around 4 pounds (1.8 kg). For the first two to three years, young gorillas ride on their mothers’ backs. They grow up and become adults between 7 to 10 years old, and then they might leave their group to find a mate.
Both mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas are endangered, which means they are at risk of disappearing forever. This is mainly because of illegal hunting and losing their homes due to mining and farming. There are only about 680 mountain gorillas left in two separate groups. The western lowland gorilla is critically endangered, with its numbers dropping by over 80% in the last few generations, but we don’t know exactly how many are left in the wild.
Gorillas are amazing animals that are very important to their environments. However, they are in danger because of human actions, so it’s very important to protect them. Learning about and saving these incredible primates is key to keeping their homes full of life.
Using a blank map of Africa, label the countries where mountain and lowland gorillas live. Color-code the regions to show the different habitats of each gorilla type. This will help you understand the geographical distribution of gorillas and the environmental conditions they live in.
Create a daily food diary for a gorilla. List the types of plants and other foods they eat, and calculate the total weight of food consumed in a day. Use this activity to explore the gorilla’s diet and compare it to your own eating habits.
In groups, role-play a gorilla troop. Assign roles such as the Silverback, females, and young gorillas. Act out a day in the life of a gorilla troop, focusing on social interactions and the role of the Silverback. This will help you understand gorilla social structures and behaviors.
Create a poster to raise awareness about the conservation status of gorillas. Include facts about their endangered status, threats they face, and ways people can help protect them. Use this activity to learn about the importance of conservation efforts.
Draw a growth chart showing the life stages of a gorilla from birth to adulthood. Include key milestones such as weight at birth, age of independence, and maturity. This will help you understand the life cycle and development of gorillas.
Gorillas – Large primates that live in the forests of central Africa and are known for their intelligence and social behavior. – Gorillas live in groups called troops, which are led by a dominant male known as a silverback.
Africa – The second-largest continent on Earth, home to diverse ecosystems and many unique species. – Africa is known for its vast savannas, where animals like lions, elephants, and zebras roam.
Plants – Living organisms that typically produce their own food through photosynthesis and are essential for life on Earth. – Many plants in the rainforest have large leaves to capture sunlight for photosynthesis.
Habitat – The natural environment where a plant or animal lives and grows. – The coral reef provides a habitat for many marine species, including colorful fish and sea turtles.
Conservation – The protection and preservation of natural resources and environments. – Conservation efforts are important to protect endangered species and their habitats from destruction.
Endangered – At risk of becoming extinct due to a decrease in population or loss of habitat. – The giant panda is an endangered species, with fewer than 2,000 left in the wild.
Reproduction – The biological process by which new individual organisms are produced. – In flowering plants, reproduction occurs when pollen is transferred from one flower to another.
Diet – The types of food that an organism regularly consumes for energy and nutrients. – A koala’s diet consists mainly of eucalyptus leaves, which provide both food and water.
Social – Relating to the interaction and relationships between individuals within a group. – Dolphins are social animals that communicate with each other using a variety of sounds and gestures.
Primates – A group of mammals that includes humans, apes, monkeys, and others, known for their complex behaviors and high intelligence. – Primates often live in groups and use tools to help them find food.
