Gorilla

As seen on the great movie, "King Kong". This creature has the images of being enormous and aggressive monster. In facts, Gorillas are not that big. They are unaggressive and unbelievably shy!

Gorillas are the largest of the primates, with 98-99% of their DNA the same as their closest relatives, the Chimpanzees and Humans! Males are large, up to 1.8 metre tall and 140-200kg. Females are smaller and much lighter. Gorillas are social, living in groups of 5-25 called 'troops' usually led by a dominant male 'Silverback'. They are highly intelligent and can be taught some sign language. Like all great apes, they have been observed in the wild using simple tools.

Gorillas live in the tropical or subtropical forests of central Africa. It is a relatively small area but covers a wide range of elevations, from high mountains to swamps at sea level.

Gorillas are endangered, due to poaching and habitat destruction.