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WESTERN LOWLAND GORILLA

Gorilla gorilla gorilla

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DESCRIPTION

The Western Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), the smallest and most widespread gorilla, roams the lush tropical rainforests of Central Africa, from Cameroon to Gabon. These gentle giants are fruit fanatics, munching on leaves and stems when snacks are scarce. Living in tight-knit groups led by a silverback boss, they’re skilled climbers and seed-spreading forest heroes. Sadly, they face threats from habitat loss, poaching, and disease, making conservation efforts critical to keeping these jungle icons thriving.Habitat

Primarily found in lowland tropical forest particularly where there is dense ground level herbaceous growth, swap forest with new growth and hot and humid with year round rainfall

 

DIET

The Western Lowland Gorilla is primarily herbivorous, with a varied diet that includes a wide range of plant-based foods. They are particularly fond of fruits, which make up most of their diet when in season. When fruits are less abundant, they turn to leaves, stems, and shoots for nutrition. They also eat seeds, bark, and occasionally insects, such as ants and termites, for an extra protein boost. Their diet plays a key role in forest regeneration, as they help disperse seeds while foraging.

 

ENDANGERMENT STATUS

The Western Lowland Gorilla is classified as Critically Endangered. Their population has dramatically declined due to a combination of threats, including habitat loss, poaching, illegal pet trade, and the spread of diseases like Ebola. Deforestation and human encroachment on their forest habitats have made survival even more challenging. Conservation efforts, such as anti-poaching measures, habitat protection, and eco-tourism initiatives, are critical in helping to protect and stabilize their population in the wild.

 

FIND OUT MORE
OUR ANIMAL FAMILY
ANIMAL FACTS

WESTERN LOWLAND GORILLA

GROUP NAME

Troop or Band

Native To

Central Africa, Southern Africa

SIZE

1.4-1.8 metres tall

BABY NAME

Infant

Habitat

Found in countries such as Cameroon, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, and parts of Angola. These gorillas prefer remote, forested areas where they can find plenty of food, including fruits, leaves, and stems. Though they spend most of their time on the ground, they are also skilled climbers, often building nests in trees to sleep. Their habitat is crucial to their survival, but it is increasingly threatened by deforestation and human activity.

Did You Know?

A gorilla’s strength is legendary—one adult male silverback can be up to 10 times stronger than the average human. But despite their immense power, they’re known for being gentle giants.

Family Focused: They live in tight-knit family groups, usually led by a dominant silverback male, who acts as protector and leader.

Skilled Climbers: Although they’re mostly ground dwellers, these gorillas are excellent climbers, using trees for food and even building nests to sleep in!

Big Talkers: Gorillas have a wide range of vocalizations, from grunts and growls to hoots and barks, to communicate with their family members.

MEET OUR

ANIMAL FAMILY

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Spotted Hyena

The Spotted Hyena has a spotted coat and is the largest of the four hyena species

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Cheetah

This large and slender cheetah is distributed across more than 25 African countries, boasting a population of around 12,000.

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Binturong

Binturongs, with their prehensile tails, dark fur, and mysterious demeanor, appear almost mythical, evoking a sense of enchantment and intrigue.

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LION

Twin male lion cubs Kion and Duke bring double the fun during playtime. Always curious, they constantly try to pounce on Mum and Dad or practice their hunting skills on each other.

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SIAMANG GIBBON

Siamang Gibbons are territorial and actively defend their home ranges, with territories overlapping with other primate species.

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Meerkats

Meerkats have a complex social structure where each meerkat has a role to play within the mob.

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WESTERN LOWLAND GORILLA

The unmistakable bond between Grandma Kriba and baby Kaius since his reintroduction into the gorilla family has marked a significant milestone and a heartwarming journey for all to witness.

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TIGER (SUMATRAN TIGER)

You'll find Tigers living in a wide variety of habitats; tropical lowland evergreen forest, mountain forest, woodlands, tall grass jungle to dry thorn forest. Tigers cope with a broad range of climatic variation but prefer to hunt in dense vegetation.

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PLAINS ZEBRA

Zebras are a highly social species, living in complex social systems. See zebra herds in NSW at Mogo Wildlife Park and Hunter Valley Wildlife Park

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GOLDEN LION TAMARIN

With a fiery orange coat, you’d think golden lion tamarins would stand out in the green canopy, but they remain incredibly elusive, blending seamlessly with the light and shadows of the dense foliage.

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Red Panda

Red Pandas are predominantly nocturnal or crepuscular animals. They live in trees, making them arboreal.

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SOUTHERN WHITE RHINO

Jabari is a true gentle giant, combining immense strength and a calm demeanour. After a refreshing roll in the mud wallows, his playful and energetic side really comes to life.

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SILVERY GIBBON

Silvery Gibbons are a seriously endangered species , Mogo Zoo is proud to be involved in a Breeding Program which has managed to produce offspring

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RING-TAILED LEMUR

Ring Tiled Lemurs 'sun worship' which means they face their tummies to the sun and stretch their arms out wide to warm themselves up.

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