The lowlands gorilla is the largest and most powerful of all living primates. The male gorilla is about 6 ft. tall and weighs about 500 lbs. The female is about 5 ft. and weighs about 200 lbs. The gorilla has a short muzzle and a very stocky build. He has a flat nose with wide nostrils and strong jaws. The eyes and ears are small and the ears lie close to the head. The forearm is much larger then the upper arm, and the hands are very large. The skeletal structure is much like that of a human, but the bones are thicker, the arms are longer, and the legs are shorter. They also lack the curvatures in the spine that help to keep them upright. This results in a stooped position, using the knuckles to support its weight.

A hooting call is given off by the gorilla to alert the others of possible danger. Other calls include grunts for discipline, and low growls which show pleasure. The gorillas have no real enemies, but they will beat their chests to show power and to intimidate others. Intruders that are chased away may be caught and killed, but those that stand their ground are not harmed. Easy for them to say!Depicted is a male silverback.

This photo was taken at the Fort Worth, Texas zoo.