A subspecies of the Western Gorilla, the Western Lowland Gorillas are critically endangered, and are found in different parts of the African continent. This is the most common zoo gorilla.

Scientific Name – Gorilla gorillagorilla

Classification – Gorilla gorilla

Gender Names – Male – male; Female – female; Baby – infant

Collective Noun – Band

Length/Height (Size) – 1.4m – 1.7m (4.7ft – 5.5ft)

Weight – 100kg – 200kg (220lbs – 440lbs)

Top Speed – 40km/h (25mph)

Life Expectancy – 30 – 40years; 40-60 in captivity

Mating Season – No distinct season to mate

Gestation Period – 250 to 270days

Special Features – They have a large head and the arms are long; they do not display territorial behavior, and the neighboring groups often overlap ranges

Social Structure – Breeding groups live in medium to large bands; females are never found alone; males settle with males forming all male groups

Geographical Distribution – In the African countries of Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Republic of the Congo

Natural Habitat – Montane, primary and secondary forests and lowland swamps

World Population – 100,000

Conservation Status –Critically Endangered

Diet – Leaves, Fruit, Flowers

Predators – Human, Leopard, Crocodile