Facts about Gorilla – Gorilla Life- Characters of Gorillas
Gorillas are one the most exciting primates in the world. Below are the amazing facts about gorillas, some are already well-known and others you will be surprised to learn about.
There are also plenty of myths about them that have circulated for so long that they are often confused for the facts. Now you will have the right information to work with instead of those myths that just don’t seem to go away.
Gorillas have similar DNA to humans – about 98% the same. This is more than any other animal in the world. These intelligent, gentle and humble giant have exhibit similar characters with the human being, for example, Gorillas often interact with others from other species and subspecies. For the most part these types of interactions are very amicable. Gorillas are capable of using tools, sticks among.
When male gorillas are about 12 years of age they can develop silver coloring on their back. This is where the name silverback comes from but many people assume that is a species of a gorilla but it isn’t.
A family of gorillas is known as a troop. However, it should be noted that each gorilla group is headed by a mature male silverback. This is the defender of the entire gorilla group and is in position to save the group members from any danger.
Silverbacks are the mature males in troops. They are very kind hearted though, and will even care for orphaned offspring on their own. The silverbacks search for the sources of food and look for safer places to leave.
When the dominant male in a troop dies or is killed, then the troop will go their separate ways and find new groups to be a part of. However, if a younger male challenge the leader and wins then he becomes the new leader and the troop stays intact.
Gorillas aren’t meat eaters that are a common myth. They feed on vegetations.
It is important to keep gorillas active when they are in captivity or they will end up suffering from various health problems including obesity.
Like human beings, every gorilla has a unique fingerprint.
Gorillas are considered to be one of the most intelligent animals in the world. They are able to process information and to think independently.
Gorillas move every day for food and for exploration. They never sleep in the same place two nights in a row!
In spite of their very large size, for the most part gorillas are very calm animals.
They will never sleep in the same nest twice. They make a new one when they nap in the afternoon and before they sleep for the night.
Mother gorillas will continue to carry their offspring for about 2.5 years even though they are able to walk when they are 8 months old. They carry their young ones on their backs and some times on their chests.
Gorillas can walk upright but prefer to do soon their knuckles.
They have four fingers and a thumb just like humans. The gorillas are capable of slapping just like human beings.
Gorillas don’t have tails as many other primates do. This is exciting but have bums like those of human being.
Gorillas are able to see in color. All of their senses are very highly developed.
Gorillas are able to grasp items with both their hands and their feet.
Gorillas migrate from one area to another. This is done when they predict or detect any danger coming upon them or when searching for food at the command of their leader. Gorillas can move short or long distance depending on where the food is.
The mortality rate for gorillas is about 40% during the first two years of life. They are often killed due to injuries, becoming orphaned, or various types of illnesses that can rapidly spread through the troop.
The grooming process is one that is very calming for gorillas, and they can go into a trance like state during it for hours and hours.
Despite the fact that, gorillas are legible to dangers like disease attack, poachers who set traps in the forests, unfortunately some gorillas are trapped and suddenly die, serious injuries got during their fights among others. All in all, gorillas are highly protected by national and international Agencies.