20 Fun Facts About Gorillas
Prepare to be amazed! Gorillas are more than just massive primates—they’re thoughtful, expressive, and sometimes downright adorable. Whether you're a curious adult or a kid on a jungle deep dive, these fun gorilla facts are sure to surprise you.
Let’s journey into the Congo rainforest and meet these remarkable creatures—especially the Grauer’s gorilla, the largest and most powerful subspecies.
20 Cool and Fun Gorilla Facts
Gorillas are the largest primates on Earth—silverbacks can weigh over 200 kg (440 lb) and reach 1.8 m (6 ft) tall when standing upright.
A group of gorillas is called a troop or family group, and it's usually led by a silverback.
They share about 98% of their DNA with humans, making them one of our closest relatives.
Gorillas have unique fingerprints and even noseprints, just like humans.
They’re herbivores, eating up to 30 kg (66 lb) of leaves, stems, fruit, and shoots daily.
They build fresh leafy nests every night, sometimes on the ground, sometimes in trees.
Baby gorillas weigh only 4–5 pounds at birth—smaller than most human babies!
They stay close to their mothers for several years, nursing and learning social skills.
Gorillas communicate with more than 20 vocalizations, including grunts, hoots, and belch-like rumbles.
They walk on their knuckles, using their strong arms to move through the forest.
Play is serious business for young gorillas, who wrestle, chase, and mimic adults to learn.
They love to groom each other, strengthening bonds and keeping fur clean.
Gorillas can use tools—like sticks to test water depth or as makeshift bridges.
Grauer’s gorillas are the biggest gorilla subspecies, with large males sometimes exceeding 270 kg (600 lb).
They live in forested mountains and lowlands, from 600 to 2,900 metres above sea level.
Gorillas have opposable thumbs, making it easier to grip branches and food.
Silverbacks develop their trademark silver fur around age 12, marking full maturity.
Each gorilla has its own personality, from playful to shy to bold.
Gorilla families are tight-knit, often staying together for many years.
They rest often, sometimes lying in clearings and enjoying the sun between foraging sessions.
Baby Gorilla Facts
Tiny but mighty: Baby gorillas weigh about 4–5 lb at birth and cling to mom for months.
Milk first: They nurse exclusively for the first few months before trying leaves and fruit.
Learning through play: Wrestling and climbing teach baby gorillas how to live in the forest.
Late bloomers: They stay close to their mothers for up to 3–4 years!
Why These Fun Facts Matter
It’s easy to smile when learning about playful baby gorillas or the quirky habits of silverbacks—but not all gorilla facts are fun.
The Grauer’s gorilla, which lives only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is critically endangered. In the last few decades, its population has plummeted by over 80%, with fewer than 7,000 individuals remaining in the wild.
This decline is largely due to:
Illegal hunting and poaching
Habitat loss from mining, burning for charcoal, and other forms of deforestation
Armed conflict in forest regions
These facts matter because they reveal just how fragile the future is for this incredible species—and how urgently we must act to protect it.
What We’re Doing at Congo Rainforest Fund
At Congo Rainforest Fund, we believe fun facts should lead to real impact. That’s why we support on-the-ground conservation that helps both gorillas and the people who share their forests.
Here’s how we help:
Protecting gorilla habitats through locally managed forest reserves
Educating communities and future conservation leaders
Supporting research into gorilla health, behaviour, and population trends
Habituating gorilla troops to encourage responsible, gorilla-friendly eco-tourism
Empowering local communities to develop sustainable, forest-friendly livelihoods
Gorillas are strong. But saving them takes human strength—yours and ours, working together.
Join Us in Protecting Gorilla Families
If these facts made you smile or sparked your curiosity, we invite you to take the next step.
Send this article to a friend to spread awareness
Together, we can ensure that the next generation gets to hear not just fun facts about gorillas—but success stories, too.
