Western Lowland Gorilla

Gorilla gorilla gorilla

Gorillas are the largest great apes in the world. They live together in large family groups that are led by a silverback. Gorillas come in two different types, the western and eastern gorillas with two subspecies. Admire the western lowland gorilla in Zoo Berlin.

Peaceful Chest-Beaters

Gorillas have nothing in common with their "King Kong image". They live peacefully in tightly knit family groups and are very sociable. Conflicts are resolved through impressive roaring, gesturing and feats of strength.

Strong Silverback

Adult males exhibit the characteristic silver-grey fur on their backs, waists and thighs. The most dominant silverback is the leader of the gorilla family and protects it from predators such as leopards.

Characteristics

  • Origin

    Western Central Africa, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Cameroon, Congo, Nigeria, Central African Republic

  • Habitat

    evergreen rainforests and swamplands

  • Diet

    These gentle giants are vegetarians. A fully grown gorilla eats 15 to 20 kg of leaves, grass, tubers, bark and fruit per day.

  • Status

    approx. 95,000

  • Size

    1 to 1,70 meter

  • Weight

    60 to 180 kg

  • Gestation period

    8.5 to 9 months

  • Achievable age

    up to 35 years in the wild, up to 50 years in human care

Threat Categories of IUCN

Did you know that ...

gorillas are the largest of the apes with up to 200 kg of body weight,
gorilla babies suckle for 3 to 4 years,
and they build a sleeping nest out of leaves and branches every single day?

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Opening hours

Today, 28. March
9:00 - 18:30
Last admission: 17:00
Opening hours

Feedings & Trainings

  • Chimpanzees 13:30
  • Orangutans/Bonobos 13:30
All feedings

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