The Mountain Gorilla
Having the same emotions as humans, the mountain gorilla will laugh when tickled, cry when sad, and experience anger, frustration, and love. They are the largest known primates on earth and are pounding their chests into today’s article. They also love their vegies; eating about 50 pounds of them a day!
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Gorilla beringei beringei
Weight: Up to 330+ pounds
Height: 4 – 6 feet
Lifespan: 35 – 50 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) Approximately 98% of mountain gorilla’s DNA matches our own!
2.) They make beds for themselves, each night, out of leaves and sticks.
3.) The total population of mountain gorillas left in the wild is estimated at approximately 850. Half of this population lives in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.
4.) Mountain gorillas barely drink water, getting most of their hydration from the plant matter they eat.
5.) Mountain gorillas are the largest primates on earth!
But wait, there’s more on the mountain gorilla!
6.) As male mountain gorillas age, they develop silver hair on their back. This has earned them the name silverbacks.
7.) Female mountain gorillas can start reproducing when they reach 10 years of age.
Did you know…?
The mountain gorilla is so intelligent, that they can be taught sign language!
8.) A habituated mountain gorilla can indirectly generate around $3,200,000 million during its lifetime from tourist income!
9.) Each habituated gorilla family is visited by just one group of tourists per day and that visit is strictly limited to one hour!
10.) Gorillas can climb trees, but are usually found on the ground in communities of up to 30 individuals. These troops are organized into amazing social structures.
