Western Lowland Gorilla

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⚠️ Boardwalk Closure: June 4–6

The boardwalk in front of the Gorilla and Mandrill exhibits will be temporarily closed for maintenance from Wednesday, June 4, through Friday, June 6.

We appreciate your patience as we work to improve your experience!

Meet the Western Lowland Gorilla

Western Lowland Gorilla Behavior

The Western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) is the largest of the living apes. Gorilla family groups average 5 indivduals. Gorillas known for going to bed early and are excellent nest builders.

Western Lowland Gorilla Eating Habits

Gorillas are herbivorous, but their diet changes with availability of food. Vegetation, aquatic herbs, bark and even termites and ants are eaten.

Western Lowland Gorilla Conservation Efforts

Western lowland gorillas are critically endangered because of commercial hunting, deforestation and disease. While countries in the gorillas’ range have laws prohibiting hunting and capture, enforcement is less than robust.

All gorillas are critically endangered due to habitat loss. This is largely due to the mining of a mineral called “Coltan”, which is found in many chargeable electronic devices. Unsustainable practices in agriculture are also contributing to the decline of gorilla populations as Palm Oil continues to be a popular oil used in packaged goods.

Western Lowland Gorilla Facts

Silverback gorillas, sexually mature males with silvery-white hair, are powerful and exceptionally large. They preside over family groups called troops. Gorillas have a complex communication system, using facial expressions, chest-beating and vocalizations to communicate with each other. Like humans having unique and individualized finger prints, gorillas have unique and individualized nose prints!

Silverback gorillas (males) can reach a body weight of nearly 400 pounds. Whereas females may weigh up to 150 pounds.

Western lowland gorillas are recorded to live between 40-50 years of age under human care.