Gorillas are the largest and most powerful of all primates. Gorillas are one of our closest living relatives, with a genetic makeup almost 98% similar to humans.
Gorillas have been re-classified. We now say there are two species of Gorilla the Eastern and the Western Gorillas. The Western Gorillas includes the Western Lowland Gorillas (species held at Taronga) and the Cross River Gorillas. The Eastern Gorillas includes the Eastern Lowland Gorillas and the Mountain Gorillas.
Along with the other species of gorillas, the Western Lowland Gorilla is classified as an endangered species and is facing extinction.
The greatest threat to their wild existence is the bush meat trade. Although Africa's great apes are protected by national wildlife laws, it is estimated that over 600 adult gorillas are killed as bush meat every year. This also leads to thousands of young gorillas becoming orphans.
Adult gorillas are often hunted for trophies and infant gorillas are stolen for the pet trade. To obtain a young gorilla, poachers often kill all defensive family members. Other threats include mining, forest clearance for timber and farming.
There are approx. 690 gorillas in zoos and wildlife parks around the world, contributing to world breeding programs. These are nearly all Western Lowland Gorillas. These zoos work together to share potential breeding animals and data in the effort to build a healthier, genetically varied population and to increase reproductive rates.
There are no Mountain Gorillas in zoos but conservation efforts for this species are in place in the wild.
He looks like he is having a frustrating day! I read all your commentary and that is so sad! We hear about Rhinos and Elephants, but it appears gorillas are also having a hard time...
What a great shot. What did you say to him, he looks as though he is falling over laughing. I just love gorilla's, so powerful and gentle at the same time.
