Definition: gorilla
A gorilla is a very large ape that lives in African forests. Gorillas are the largest of the primates.
Male gorillas living in zoos can weigh as much as six hundred pounds.
Fun Facts
1. The Gentle Giants of the Jungle: Gorillas are the largest living primates in the world! An adult male gorilla can grow up to six feet tall and weigh as much as 400 pounds, making them look big and fierce, but they are actually very peaceful and gentle creatures.
2. Smart Cookie Tool Makers: Gorillas are exceptionally intelligent! In the wild, scientists have watched gorillas use sticks as simple tools—like using a branch to test how deep a muddy pool of water is before trying to cross it.
3. Mainly Vegetarian Munchers: Despite their massive size and scary movie reputations, most gorillas are strict vegetarians! They spend a huge part of their day munching happily on leafy greens, juicy bamboo shoots, stems, wild celery, and sweet fruits.
4. Cozy Bedmakers Every Night: Gorillas love a good night's sleep! Every single evening, they fold over branches and weave together a cozy nest made of leaves and grass to sleep in. Adults build a fresh bed on the ground every night, while baby gorillas sometimes share a nest with their moms or sleep up in the trees.
5. Silverback Family Leaders: A family group of gorillas is led by a powerful adult male called a silverback. He gets his name because as he grows up, the fur right down the middle of his back turns a striking, distinguished shade of silver!
6. Famous Chest-Beating Display: When a silverback wants to show excitement, warn away a rival, or look extra tough, he will stand up on two legs and pound rapidly on his chest with cupped hands, making a booming sound that can carry a long way through the forest.
7. Super Strong Muscle Power: An adult gorilla has about six times the physical strength of an average human! Even though they are super strong, they rarely use their muscles to fight, preferring to use peaceful body language and gentle grunts to solve arguments.