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Gorilla Strength – How Powerful Are These Majestic Primates?

How Strong Are Gorillas? Gorillas are strong, stocky animals that live freely in three countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. They live in the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda.

They are very friendly giants with 98% genetic similarity to humans. They also show human-like traits, such as carrying their babies, laughing, playing, crying, and mourning their loved ones when they die.

Mountain Gorilla Conservation - Protecting an Endangered Species

They can also show aggression and become dangerous when challenged, threatened, or attacked by predators. In such cases, they charge as a defensive mechanism.

Gorillas are family-oriented primates and live in families or groups called troops. These groups are led by a dominant male called a silverback, who oversees the group’s activities. A gorilla family can have 5 to 40 members, depending on different circumstances and leadership.

The composition of a gorilla family includes:

  • A dominant silverback
  • Mature females
  • Blackbacks
  • Infants
  • Juvenile females
  • In some cases, other silverbacks

Gorillas feed on plant leaves, fruits, and sometimes insects. They can also suffer from illnesses like flu, coughs, and colds.

Gorillas dislike rain and water, as it makes their bodies wet.

Gorillas have large hands, very small eyes, and fearless faces. They can tackle almost anything that comes their way.

They are majestic animals, with a typical silverback weighing over 430 pounds (195 kg) and standing about 1.5 meters tall. They can live up to 60 years.

Gorillas have immense strength. A single silverback can lift over 1,763 pounds (800 kg) of dead weight by itself, which is twice as much as a well-trained weightlifter.

It is important to note that a silverback is twice as strong as a mature female.

People often wonder about gorilla strength and whether it is possible to challenge them. According to research, about 5 to 12 people, depending on their energy, can match a gorilla’s strength in a fight. This makes gorillas highly favored in terms of strength.

It is also worth noting that gorillas are very strong as a family. They support and protect each other from danger. In case of an attack, they combine their strength to fight together.

Gorillas are very strong animals and strongly dislike any form of challenge from other creatures.



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Go Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is renowned for housing half the population of the endangered mountain gorillas. The name “Bwindi” is derived from the local Runyakitara word “Mubwindi,” meaning “place full of darkness.” Bwindi Forest is one of the most biologically diverse forests on Earth. Discover Bwindi National Park below.

Explore mountain gorillas in the most incredible way!

Whether you choose Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, each moment promises unforgettable encounters with the mountain gorillas of Africa.

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