Humans have long held a fascination with gorillas – not least because these primates are our closest relative, and looking at one can feel like gazing into a furry mirror.
But there’s much more to these gentle giants than their human-like mannerisms. This photo gallery reveals the many sides of this great ape’s vibrant personality: caring parents, cheeky chappies and expert problem solvers.
A silverback is an adult male gorilla. The silver patch of hair develops on their backs when they become sexually mature and helps signal their sex to other gorillas (credit: Getty Images)
Gorillas tend to live in troops, which will usually consist of one dominant male (a silverback), several females and their young offspring (credit: Getty Images)
The eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei) is critically endangered, with 2,600 mating individuals left in the wild. There are two subspecies of eastern gorilla – mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas (credit: Getty Images)
Like humans, gorillas have opposable thumbs, which helps them use tools (credit: Getty Images)
Young gorillas often engage in playfighting with other members of their troop (credit: Getty Images)
Like human babies, gorilla infants and vulnerable and dependent, so their mothers are key to their survival – while the male gorillas encourage them to socialise with other infants (credit: Getty Images)
As infant gorillas grow stronger, their mothers will be able to carry them on their backs, their primary mode of transportation (credit: Getty Images)
Gorillas typically breastfeed their babies for 2-3 years, although solid foods will be introduced much earlier on – around the eight-month mark. The milk will supplement their diet until they are fully weaned (credit: Getty Images)
Gorillas are primarily herbivores, eating foliage such as leaves, stems and occasionally fruit. Eastern lowland gorillas have more diverse diets, and will eat insects – particularly ants (credit: Getty Images)
Gorillas have 32 teeth – the same number as humans. They are adapted for the coarse vegetation they consume, and silverbacks develop large canine teeth as they mature (credit: Getty Images)
Gorillas primarily walk on all fours by knuckle-walking, i.e. they walk on the knuckles of their hands with their fingers curled underneath. This provides stability and efficiency for their large, heavy bodies (credit: Getty Images)
Mountain gorillas eat eucalyptus to obtain sodium (credit: Getty Images)
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