WESTERN GORILLA

Phylum – Chordata
Class – Mammalia
Order – Primates
Family – Hominidae
Genus – Gorilla
Species – Gorilla gorilla

The western lowland gorilla is distributed in the equatorial forests of Central Africa. Its range includes Cameroon, Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, and Equatorial Guinea. It inhabits humid tropical forests, swampy lowlands, and secondary forests. Lifespan in the wild is about 30–35 years, while in captivity it can reach 45–50 years. Male body mass ranges from 140 to 200 kg, females from 70 to 100 kg. Body length is 140–180 cm, with an arm span of up to 2.5 m.

Western lowland gorillas live in stable family groups led by a dominant male—the “silverback.” A group usually consists of 5–20 individuals. Gestation lasts about 8.5 months, and typically one infant is born. Young remain under maternal care for 3–4 years. Gorillas are diurnal, primarily terrestrial, and display complex social behavior. They are herbivorous; their diet consists mainly of leaves, shoots, fruits, bark, and seeds, occasionally supplemented with insects (such as ants and termites).

The genus Gorilla diverged from the common ancestor shared with humans and chimpanzees approximately 8–10 million years ago. Gorilla evolution is closely linked to the development of African tropical forests.

Gorillas hold an important place in the cultures of Central African peoples, where they are regarded as symbols of strength and wisdom. One of the most renowned gorilla researchers was Dian Fossey (1932–1985), who devoted her life to studying and protecting these animals. She developed such close relationships with gorillas that they accepted her into their family groups. She was tragically killed by poachers while defending her subjects. Her book inspired the Hollywood feature film “Gorillas in the Mist.”

At the Kyiv Zoo, the behavior of gorillas is studied using the example of Tony, the only gorilla in Ukraine, by members of the Young Naturalists Club. Young researchers keep observation journals and participate in environmental enrichment programs for the gorilla.

Tony was born at the Nuremberg Zoo (Germany) on August 8, 1974. As part of the European Endangered Species Programme, at the age of 25, he arrived at the Kyiv Zoo on September 29, 1999, where a female named Dora, slightly older than him, was waiting. After losing his “wife” Dora, Tony refused to accept another mate—a behaviour not uncommon among male gorillas in the wild.

Each day Tony eats more than 8 kg of various foods, including fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, seeds, and nuts. He also enjoys treats such as yoghurt, fruit compote, jam, and dried fruits.

He enjoys interacting with his keepers, plays with toys, paper, and blankets, and likes to flip through and look at bright pictures in magazines. In the evening, he asks to have his own television turned on, choosing films about people and animals.

Tony also uses specific gestures meaning “eat,” “come closer,” “give,” “pay attention,” and others. If he likes a person, he may offer a piece of fruit or a branch. If not, he may turn away, frown, or even throw branches and various objects.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the western lowland gorilla is classified as Critically Endangered. The main threats include poaching, deforestation, diseases (notably the Ebola virus), and habitat loss.

5 Interesting Facts:

1. Dominant males develop a distinctive silver stripe on their backs with age, signaling maturity and leadership within the group.

2. Each gorilla has unique nose and fingerprint patterns, which can be used for individual identification.

3. Gorillas possess high intelligence; in some individuals, estimated IQ scores can reach up to 95 (the human average is about 100).

4. Gorillas communicate using more than 20 different vocalizations, as well as gestures, postures, and facial expressions.

5. Gorillas share approximately 98% of their DNA with humans, making them among our closest living relatives in the animal kingdom.