The Western Lowland Gorilla
Did you know that if you see a gorilla at a zoo, it will most likely be a lowland gorilla? These Gorillas rule!
All gorillas may look the same, but the western lowland gorilla looks a little different. For example, western lowland gorillas have brown to dark gray fur. However, the males have a silver-gray back. They have a broad somewhat small jaw. Also, when standing up straight a male is 5ft. 6 inches high. They have huge, bulky bodies and long arms. Their hands and feet have broad, stubby fingers and their arms are longer than their legs.
The gorilla can live in many different places in Central Africa. Specifically it can live in Congo, Guinea, Gabon and Cameroon. The temperature in these areas is tropical and humid. The western lowland gorilla lives there because there are nutritious plants at ground level and it is easy for them to make nests.
The western lowland gorilla exhibits many kinds of behaviors. For example, even though they are huge animals, they eat little soldier ants. Unfortunately, this gorilla is hunted by humans for the meat and the fur. The head and hands are sold as souvenirs to tourists. Even when they are not being hunted, the males are very protective of their group. For example, if there was a trespasser, the male would attack the intruder. Depending on where the gorillas might live, they may have to travel long distances to find food. However, if they find a fruit tree, it will climb on the branches to consume the fruit.
Their forests are being destroyed because people are cutting down the trees for timber, firewood, and houses. The western lowland gorilla is also hunted. These important creatures are even hunted for the meat because it’s a favorite food in some areas. Also, their heads and hands are hunted for souvenirs. Unfortunately, there are less than 50,000 of them left in the world.
So if you’re lucky enough to go to the rainforest, try to look for a western lowland gorilla. You can tell you found one by its good looks and how it behaves.
by Brendan
picture from Wikipedia