Mountain Gorillas Up Close

Mountain gorillas are large apes that live in Africa.

Mountain gorillas live in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.

Thick fur keeps mountain gorillas warm in cold forests.

Females are smaller, ranging from 70 to 98 kilograms.

Silverbacks get their name from gray hair on their backs.

Mountain gorillas use knuckle-walking to move on the ground.

Groups usually have one dominant silverback leading the way.

Groups average about ten gorillas with females and juveniles.

Mountain gorillas mostly eat leaves, shoots, and stems from plants.

Adult males eat about 18.8 kilograms of food every day.

Mountain gorillas build nests from plants for sleeping each night.

Mountain gorillas communicate with about 25 different vocal sounds.

Grooming, playing, and resting strengthen bonds within gorilla groups.

Mountain gorillas live quietly, showing strength only when needed.