Gorilla

Gorilla gorilla

Physical characteristics

Gorillas move about by knuckle-walking. Males range in height from 1.65 m to 1.75 m, and in weight from 140 kg to 165 kg. Females are about half the weight of males.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Gestation is 8 ½ months. There are typically 3–4 years between births. Infants stay with their mothers for 3–4 years. Females mature at 10–12 years (earlier in captivity); males 11–13 years, sometimes sooner if they assume leadership early. Lifespan is between 30–50 years. The Philadelphia Zoo's Massa set the longevity record of 54 years at the time of his death.

Related Topics:
Gestation - Philadelphia Zoo

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Gorillas are mainly herbivores, eating fruits, leaves, and shoots.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Strength

In many cultures gorillas are renowned for their strength. The exact strength of the gorilla is unknown, although most estimates put it between 10 and 27 times the strength of a human. Gorillas are stronger than they look, having significantly more muscle mass than a human pound for pound.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~