The eastern gorilla are the larger of the species and have darker and longer fur.Īdult male gorillas known as ‘silverbacks’, due to silver hair on their backs, are generally larger than their female counterparts, and can weigh between 136 to 195 kg (300 to 430 lb) and be as tall as 4 ft 7 in to 5 ft 11 in (1.4 to 1.8 m). The eastern species (Gorilla beringei) lives specifically in the east central part of Africa, and the western species (Gorilla gorilla) inhabits the west central part of Africa. There are actually two distinct species of gorillas, the eastern gorilla and the western gorilla. Gorillas have a black and hairless face with large nostrils and small eyes that are set closely together. They also have large hands with forearms that are shorter than their upper arm. In addition to being stocky, gorillas have broad chests and shoulders. Herbivore – Leaves, Shoots, Roots, Vines & Fruits

Sub-Saharan Africa – Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Cameroon, Rwanda, Uganda They are the largest living primates today. Chimpanzees take first place followed by bonobos. Gorillas are third in line as the closest relatives to the human. They are predominantly ground dwelling, and inhabit forests located in numerous countries in central Africa.

Gorillas are part of the great ape family, which includes orangutans, bonobos and chimpanzees.

Hairless gorilla