Region - Africa

Gorillas are the largest living primate, with 98.3% of the same genetic code as humans. Only chimpanzees and bonobos are closer relatives to people.

Our primate cousins show happiness and sadness. Apart from their emotional side, they’re practical. To help them survive, they make tools to use in the forests.

Four species of gorillas are found mainly in Central Africa. The Mountain gorilla, Eastern lowland gorilla, Western lowland gorilla and cross river gorillas. The big apes live in family groups of between 5 to 50 members. A male silverback leads all family groups.

Even though they’re so big, up to 440 pounds, the gentlye apes are predominantly vegetarian although some will also eat termites and ants.

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