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. 

OUR GORILLAS

Motaba - born 23/12/1983
Motaba is the father of Yakini and Ganyeka. He is a rather serious character and takes his role as group leader very seriously. This role is that of a peace keeper and protector, so he sorts out any disagreements in the group. He is very alert to any potential dangers, making sure that he and his boys remain safe. He gets excited in the rain, running and 'displaying'. Maybe it reminds him of growing up in the Channel Islands! He dislikes the vets or anyone resembling one, and because of his role of protector, he is very untrusting. So it takes a long time and a lot of effort to build a good relationship with him.

Ganyeka - born 29/04/2000
Ganyeka is quite a character. He is cheeky and very intelligent. He is the one that will work out puzzles and make tools from sticks. He loves to learn new things and doesn`t give up too easily. He has no problem acting the fool, and when he`s excited he likes to spin on his back and shake his head laughing. He also often instigates play with the other two by throwing straw at them, or jumping up and down in front of them until they chase him.

Yakini - born 28/11/1999
Yakini is a bit of a quiet achiever. He gives his dad a wide berth but will take any opportunity to assert his dominance over his little brother when Motaba is not around. He observes situations and is a bit of a political thinker. Over the last few months he has really started to fill out and, at 136kg, he is beginning to look more like an adult. He spends a lot of time wrestling and laughing with his little brother. He takes a little while to learn new things but is very excited about it when he does.

DID YOU KNOW?

• There are three gorilla subspecies: the Mountain Gorilla, the Eastern Lowland Gorilla and the Western Lowland Gorilla. All are found in the Western part of Africa
• When excited and pleased, gorillas giggle in almost the same way that humans do
• Young gorillas are very playful, tickling and chasing each other. At the Zoo they play with special ‘gorilla proof’ toys
• Baby gorillas are quite similar to human babies and have the same needs, such as physical touching, security and lots of opportunities to play
• When gorillas are upset or threatened they show it by coughing