Western lowland gorillas
Gorilla gorilla gorilla
Gorillas are large herbivorous primates that usually organise themselves in groups of 5 to 30 individuals. The most common family structures consist of a dominant male, several females, a few young males and the young.
Occasionally, when young males leave the family group and have not yet established their own family, they settle in groups of single males to socialise and maintain some stability.
Their diet is purely vegetarian, although they may occasionally eat insects.
WEIGHT
180 kg
DIET
Vegetables and fruits
ORIGIN
Africa
GESTATION
8,5 months
Gorillas that live under the care of Loro Parque
Interesting facts about gorillas
Their DNA is very close to that of people, with a 97-98% match.
They create and use tools in their daily lives. They have a high manipulative ability.
Males that reach sexual maturity are called silverbacks, due to the colour of the fur on their backs as adults.
Koko, a western lowland gorilla, demonstrated the ability to communicate using sign language.
How we help to protect gorillas and other apes
Today, modern zoos are a conservation space for this critically endangered species. In the face of external threats from poachers and ravaged habitats, we offer safe, enriched spaces for the simulation of wild natural environments.
The group of male gorillas living at Loro Parque is part of the EAZA Ex-situ Programme. To promote the conservation of the species, when male gorillas reach the right conditions to form their own family, they are placed in centres or zoos where they can do so. This ensures optimal breeding conditions, prolonging the survival of the species.
