Gorillas are like the jungle’s quiet protectors—strong, smart, and full of surprises. These intelligent, social animals share surprising traits with humans and play a vital role in their ecosystems. There’s a lot to learn about gorillas, and some of their behaviors might even challenge what you thought you knew.
1. Gorillas Use Tools Like Humans
The gorilla species is clever enough to use tools. People have seen them using sticks to test how deep the water is before crossing a river or a stream. Even a 400-pound gorilla is afraid of being carried away by the water or maybe the sogginess of it.
2. Each Gorilla Has a Unique Nose Print
Did you know scientists use these unique noseprints to identify individual gorillas, just like our fingerprints? This means no two gorillas have the same nose wrinkles. So, the next time you see a few gorillas up close, look at their noses to spot the difference.
3. Chest Beating Isn’t Just for Show
When a gorilla pounds its chest, it’s not like the animal is flexing. Beating their chest is a sign that they’re sending a message. That loud thumping sound tells others, “I’m here, I’m strong, back off!” The sound can travel almost a mile through the jungle.
4. They Have a Secret Language
Gorillas have over 25 different sounds to chat with each other. They grunt, hoot, and roar to communicate different things. It can be anything, like a warning or greetings—there’s a whole secret gorilla language. Sometimes, they can be real chatterboxes.
5. Young Gorillas Are Little Heroes
In places like Rwanda, young gorillas have been seen destroying traps left by poachers. By dismantling these snares, the little ones try to protect their family and other animals. This remarkable behavior demonstrates the intelligence and social awareness of gorillas.
6. They Love to Play Around
These primates might look serious, but gorillas love a good playtime. Young gorillas roll, wrestle, and chase each other just like human kids. Even adults join in sometimes. Playtime isn’t just fun; it’s a key part of growing closer and building stronger connections within the group.
7. Gorillas Don’t Need to Drink Much Water
Naturally, large, muscular bodies need a lot of nutrients and water to function. Surprisingly, these big animals can stay well hydrated by munching on plants all day. Their leafy diet is packed with moisture, so gorillas rarely need to drink water.
8. Silverbacks Rule the Jungle Family
Male gorillas grow a patch of shiny silver hair on their backs when they get older. Officially, humans call them “silverbacks.” Such gorillas are the leaders of their family groups who protect everyone and keep the peace. You can call them the “jungle dads.”
9. They Walk on Their Knuckles
It looks like gorillas walk on their feet, but they actually knuckle-walk, meaning they use their strong hands to help carry their weight. People may find this style weird, but it keeps them steady and balanced. However, if we try it, our arms will get tired fast.
10. Gorillas Are Strong But Calm
The gorilla race is incredibly strong. An adult male can lift over 2,000 pounds—that’s like lifting a car! But despite their power, they’re often gentle animals who prefer chilling out aimlessly rather than fighting and showing off their strength—bodybuilders with a calm vibe.
11. They Live in Big Families Called Troops
Humans are not the only ones with families. Gorillas hang out in groups called “troops.” A troop usually has one silverback, several females, and their kids. In a troop, everyone looks out for each other, just like a big, loving family.
12. Gorillas Are Nature’s Gardeners
Like some other animals, gorillas are also the green thumbs of the jungle or the natural gardeners. That’s because they’re herbivorous animals who unknowingly spread seeds around the forest after they eat leaves, fruits, and plants (in the form of droppings, of course).
Stay connected with us for more stories like this! Follow us to get the latest updates or hit the Follow button at the top of this article, and let us know what you think by leaving your feedback below. We’d love to hear from you!
