Explore the field guide
Gorilla
How Much Does a Silverback Gorilla Weigh?
Short answer: A silverback is a mature adult male gorilla, not a separate species. Adult male weight varies by taxon and individual. Smithsonian reports that western lowland adult males average about 300 pounds (136 kilograms) and may reach about 500 pounds (227 kilograms). Silverback weight at a glance Measurement Approximate figure Important context Western lowland…
Gorilla Scientific Names: Species, Subspecies and Classification
Short answer: Gorillas belong to the genus Gorilla. Scientists recognize two living species: the western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) and the eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei). Each species contains two generally recognized subspecies, for a total of four. Scientific names of gorillas Common name Scientific name Taxonomic level Western gorilla Gorilla gorilla Species Western lowland gorilla Gorilla…
How Strong Is a Gorilla? What Science Can—and Cannot—Measure
Short answer: Gorillas are exceptionally powerful great apes, but science has not established a trustworthy “times stronger than a human” multiplier. Popular figures such as four, six or nine times human strength do not come from a standardized experiment in which gorillas and people performed the same task. Last fact-checked: August 2026. This guide separates…
Types of Gorillas: The Two Species and Four Subspecies
Short answer: Scientists generally recognize two living gorilla species—the western gorilla and eastern gorilla—and four subspecies: western lowland, Cross River, Grauer’s and mountain gorillas. Every wild gorilla lives in equatorial Africa, but each taxon has a distinct range, ecology and conservation situation. Last fact-checked: August 2026. Scientific names follow the two-species, four-subspecies classification used in…
How Tall Are Gorillas? Height, Posture and Arm Span
Short answer: Smithsonian reports that adult male western lowland gorillas can stand up to about 6 feet (1.8 metres), while adult females can stand up to about 4.5 feet (1.4 metres). These are upright measurements, not the posture gorillas normally use for travel. Gorilla height and arm span Western lowland gorilla Standing height Arm span…
How Long Do Gorillas Live? Wild and Zoo Lifespans
Short answer: Gorillas in the wild commonly live about 30 to 40 years. Some individuals under human care live into their 50s. Lifespan varies, and the oldest known individual should not be confused with the average. Wild versus human-care lifespan Setting General range Context Wild Often about 30–40 years Based on long-term observations and estimated…
How Much Do Gorillas Weigh? Species, Sex and Context
Short answer: Gorilla weight varies substantially by sex, species, age and individual. Smithsonian reports adult male western lowland gorillas average about 300 pounds (136 kilograms) and may reach about 500 pounds (227 kilograms); adult females are commonly about 150–200 pounds (68–91 kilograms). Credible western lowland gorilla figures Sex Reported weight Source context Adult male Average…
