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Gorilla

Gorillas are the largest living primates and are native to the forests of central and eastern Africa.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Gorillas are the largest living primates and are native to the forests of central and eastern Africa. They are mainly herbivorous, live in social groups, and are threatened by habitat loss, disease, and poaching.

Description

Gorillas are large African apes in the family Hominidae. They are the largest living primates and are closely related to humans, chimpanzees, and bonobos.

Habitat and distribution

Gorillas live in forests in central and eastern Africa. Different species and subspecies occupy different regions, including lowland forests and montane forests.

Diet and behaviour

Gorillas mainly eat plant material such as leaves, stems, shoots, fruit, bark, and roots. Some populations also consume small insects such as termites and ants, and they usually live in social groups.

Conservation

Gorillas face major threats from habitat loss, disease, and poaching. Conservation status varies by species and subspecies, with some populations classified as endangered or critically endangered.

Key facts

  • Gorillas are the largest living primates.
  • They are mainly vegetarian, feeding on leaves, stems, shoots, bamboo, bark, and fruit.
  • Gorillas live in forest habitats in central and eastern Africa.
  • They usually live in family groups led by a dominant silverback male.
  • Habitat destruction, disease, and poaching are major threats.
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Canadian context

Gorillas are relevant to Canadian readers through zoo conservation programs, wildlife education, and international efforts to protect great apes.

Frequently asked questions

What do gorillas eat?
Gorillas mainly eat plants such as leaves, stems, shoots, bamboo, bark, roots, and fruit. Some populations also eat small insects like termites and ants.
How strong are gorillas?
Gorillas are extremely strong, but exact strength is difficult to measure in the wild. Their large muscles and body size make them far stronger than humans, especially in climbing, pulling, and lifting tasks.
Where do gorillas live?
Gorillas live in forests in central and eastern Africa, including lowland and mountain habitats depending on the species.
Are gorillas endangered?
Yes, many gorilla populations are endangered or critically endangered, although conservation status varies by species and subspecies. Major threats include habitat destruction, disease, and poaching.
What is the difference between a gorilla and a monkey?
Gorillas are apes, not monkeys. Unlike monkeys, apes do not have tails, and gorillas are much larger and more closely related to humans.

References

  1. United Parks & Resorts — https://www.seaworld.org/animals/all-about/gorilla/diet/
    Supports: Western lowland gorilla diet includes fruit, leaves, seeds, stems, termites, and caterpillars.
  2. Berggorilla & Regenwald Direkthilfe e.V. — https://www.berggorilla.org/en/gorillas/general/everyday-life/what-do-gorillas-eat/
    Supports: Mountain gorillas mainly feed on green plant parts; lowland gorillas eat more fruit; gorillas also eat small animals such as insects.
  3. World Wildlife Fund — https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/what-do-gorillas-eat-and-other-gorilla-facts
    Supports: Gorillas are the largest living primates, live in central and east Africa, eat mostly vegetation, and face threats from habitat destruction, disease, and poaching.