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Gorilla

The Western Lowland Gorilla lives in troops of up to 30 gorillas. The groups are usually harmonious since there are no marked friendships between gorillas in a group. Distinct friendships can lead to jealousies and squabbling.

The leader of the group will usually be a dominant silverback male. In large groups there may be more than one silverback. These include younger non-dominant males who may eventually move off and live solitary lives. A male may kidnap a female gorilla from another group and begin a new troop.

Males exhibit aggressive behaviour by vocalising. The silverback stands on his hind legs and throws leaves and twigs into the air. He then beats his chest with his hands and runs back and forth tearing up the vegetation. The finale is beating the ground with the palms of his hands. This intimidating behaviour is used to threaten outsiders and often gives the impression that the gorilla is fiercer than it actually is.

About our Gorillas

Young gorillas are very playful, tickling and chasing each other. At the Zoo they play with special ‘gorilla proof’ toys.
When gorillas are upset or threatened they show it by coughing.
Melbourne Zoo’s Gorillas are usually asleep by 7.00pm and wake at about 7.00 am the next morning.