Gorillas are the largest apes in the world. They are our closest living relatives because they share 98.3% of their genetic code with humans. Their scientific name is Gorilla beringei beringei.

Gorillas have broad shoulders and chests, human-like hands, small eyes, and hairless faces. They have black skin and dark hair. They also have large nostrils. Gorillas have complex behaviors and emotions. For example, they can laugh when they are happy and show sadness when they are upset.

Gorillas live only in the tropical forests of Africa. Specifically, they can be found in the rainforests of Cameroon and Congo.

Gorillas are herbivores. They mainly eat leaves, shoots, and stalks. Sometimes, they also eat fruits.

Gorillas live in family groups ranging from 6 to 30 members. The group is led by a dominant male called a silverback. A silverback is a mature male gorilla who leads the group for many years.

Female gorillas reach maturity when they are seven to eight years old. However, a mother gives birth to only one baby every four to six years. Because their reproduction rate is slow, the population grows very slowly. Combined with habitat loss, gorillas are now an endangered species.