Gorillas

Mountain Gorillas: Rare and Vulnerable

With only around 1,063 mountain gorillas left in the wild, these incredible great apes face serious threats, including disease. Highly susceptible to human respiratory illnesses, their close genetic link to humans makes them especially vulnerable.

Gorillas are herbivorous and primarily ground dwelling, living in the tropical forests of equatorial Africa. They belong to the Gorilla genus, which is divided into two species the eastern gorilla and western gorilla with several subspecies. Protecting their habitat and reducing human impact is essential for their survival.

Gorillas: Gentle Giants of the Forest

Gorillas are intelligent and emotional creatures, displaying human like behaviors such as laughter and sadness. Sharing 98.3% of their DNA with humans, they are our closest relatives after chimpanzees and bonobos.

As the largest great apes, gorillas have broad chests, human-like hands, and hairless faces. They live in family groups of 5 to over 50, led by a dominant male silverback who protects and leads the troop. Found in equatorial Africa, gorillas are divided into two species eastern and western gorillas each with lowland and upland subspecies.

With a slow reproductive rate, females give birth only every 4–6 years, making population recovery challenging. Both gorilla species have declined for decades, and a 2010 UN report warned they may disappear from parts of the Congo Basin by the mid-2020s. However, mountain gorillas, a subspecies of the eastern gorilla, have seen population growth, marking a rare conservation success. Protecting their habitat is key to securing their future.

Threats to Gorillas: Slow Reproduction & Human Impact

Slow Reproduction & Habitat Loss

Like humans, gorillas reproduce slowly, giving birth to one baby at a time and raising it for several years before reproducing again. This low birth rate makes them highly vulnerable to population declines. Habitat destruction, bushmeat hunting, and iron snares set for other animals further threaten their survival.

Hunting & Illegal Trade

The bushmeat trade remains a serious threat, with gorillas hunted to supply high-end demand in urban markets. Due to their slow reproduction, even low levels of hunting cause population declines that take generations to recover.

Disease

Gorillas are highly susceptible to human diseases, including respiratory infections, scabies, and TB. The Ebola virus has devastated populations, with estimates suggesting it killed one-third of wild gorillas by 2003.

Weak Law Enforcement

Despite being legally protected, weak law enforcement allows poaching and illegal trade to continue unchecked. Many gorillas live outside protected areas, where conservation efforts are minimal. Stronger protections are essential for their survival.

OUR PLEDGE

At our store, we celebrate these majestic animals while raising awareness about their conservation. Every purchase helps spread the message and support efforts to protect gorillas for future generations.