Mountain Gorilla Size: The Largest Primate on Earth

Mountain gorillas are one of the most fascinating animals on the planet, and their size is one of the reasons why. These magnificent creatures are the largest of all primates, and they can grow to be quite impressive in size.

The average size of a male mountain gorilla is around six feet tall, but they can weigh up to a whopping 589 pounds. In captivity, they have been known to grow even larger, with some weighing as much as 683 pounds. The largest ever recorded male mountain gorilla was 6 feet tall and weighed 589 pounds.

To achieve such a massive size, mountain gorillas have to consume an enormous amount of food. On average, adult males eat around 41 pounds of food a day, while females consume around 33 pounds. They are diurnal animals, meaning they spend most of their day eating and searching for food.

Despite being so large, mountain gorillas are agile and can move quickly through their forest habitats. They have shorter arms than their lowland gorilla cousins, but they are still incredibly strong and can easily climb trees if needed.

One of the most significant differences between mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas is their habitat. Mountain gorillas can only survive in high altitudes of abot 7,200–14,100 feet. They have longer hair than lowland gorillas to help them stay warm in the colder temperatures at these altitudes.

Mountain gorillas are truly remarkable creatures that are both massive and agile. Their size is a testament to their incredible strength and their ability to survive in some of the harshest environments on earth. It’s no wonder that they are such a beloved species around the world, and their size is just one of the many reasons why they capture our hearts and imaginations.

The Size of the Largest Gorilla

The biggest gorilla ever recorded was a silverback measuring 1.83 meters (6 feet 0 inches) in height and weighing an astounding 267 kilograms (589 pounds). This particular gorilla was shot in Ambam, Cameroon. It is worth noting that male gorillas in captivity can sometimes become overweight and reach weights of up to 310 kilograms (683 pounds). Gorillas are the largest of all primates and are known for their impressive size and strength.

mountain gorilla size
Source: nationalgeographic.com

The Largest Recorded Mountain Gorilla

The biggest mountain gorilla ever recorded was a male, measuring an impressive 1.83 meters (6 feet) tall and weighing a staggering 267 kilograms (589 pounds). To reach this immense size, mountain gorillas are active during the day and spend a significant amount of time eating. Adult males consume an average of 18.8 kilograms (41 pounds) of food per day, while females eat approximately 14.9 kilograms (33 pounds) daily. This information highlights the incredible size and dietary needs of these amazing animals.

Comparing the Size of Mountain and Silverback Gorillas

Mountain gorillas are generally bigger than silverback gorillas. Mountain gorillas are a subspecies of eastern gorilla and can only survive in high altitudes of about 2,200–4,300 metres (7,200–14,100 ft). They are larger than their lowland gorilla cousins, with males weighing up to 220 kg (485 lbs) and females weighing up to 100 kg (220 lbs). Their longer hair and shorter arms also distinguish them from silverback gorillas. Silverback gorillas, on the other hand, are a subspecies of western gorilla and are found in lowland forests. Adult males can weigh up to 180 kg (397 lbs) and females up to 90 kg (198 lbs). wile silverback gorillas are still large and impressive animals, mountain gorillas are generally larger and have distinct physical differences.

Average Size of a Full-Grown Gorilla

A full-size gorilla is a large primate that belongs to the family Hominidae. The Western lowland adult male gorillas are the largest of all primates, with a body length of about 1.7 meters or 66.9 inches and a weight of approximately 169.5 kg or 374 lbs. On the other hand, adult females are slightly smaller in size with a body length of around 1.5 meters or 59.1 inches. These impressive creatures are known for their muscular build, with broad chests, wide shoulders, and powerful arms that are longer than their legs. Their large size and strength alow them to move around with ease and climb trees effortlessly.

Can a Grizzly Bear Defeat a Gorilla in a Fight?

When it comes to a hypothetical fight between a grizzly bear and a gorilla, it’s important to note that such an encounter is highly unlikely to occur in the wild. However, if we were to imagine such a scenario, it’s worth exploring the advantages and disadvantages that each animal might have in a fight.

Grizzly bears are massive and powerful creatures, with sharp claws measuring several inches in length. These claws are formidable weapons, capable of inflicting serious damage on an opponent. In addition to their claws, grizzlies have incredibly strong jaws and teeth, which they can use to crush bones and tear flesh.

On the other hand, gorillas are known for their incredible strength and agility. While they don’t have claws, they do have nails on their fingers and toes, which they culd potentially use to scratch and swipe at an opponent. Gorillas also have powerful arms and legs, which they could use to deliver powerful blows.

So, in a hypothetical fight between a grizzly bear and a gorilla, who would come out on top? It’s difficult to say for sure, as there are many variables that could influence the outcome. However, based on their physical advantages, it’s likely that the grizzly bear would have the upper hand. With its sharp claws and powerful jaws, it could inflict serious damage on the gorilla, potentially incapacitating it or even killing it. However, it’s worth noting that gorillas are highly intelligent and adaptable creatures, and they may be able to use their wits and agility to outmaneuver the bear and avoid its attacks.

While it’s impossible to say for sure who would win in a hypothetical fight between a grizzly bear and a gorilla, the grizzly bear’s physical advantages may give it the edge. However, it’s worth remembering that in the wild, these animals are unlikely to encounter one another, as they inhabit different regions and have different habitats and behaviors.

mountain gorilla size
Source: awf.org

Comparing the Strength of Gorillas and Bears

When it comes to comparing the strength of a gorilla and a bear, it’s important to consider a few different factors. First and foremost, it’s worth noting that “strength” can refer to a number of different things – for example, a gorilla might be stronger in terms of raw muscle power, while a bear might be stronger in terms of its ability to overpower prey.

In terms of raw muscle power, gorillas are certainly among the strongest animals on the planet. Adult male gorillas can weigh up to 400 pounds and have been known to lift nearly 2,000 pounds in certain scenarios. However, grizzly bears – one of the most common bear species – are also incredibly strong. Adult males can weigh up to 800 pounds and have been known to exert a bite force of over 1,200 PSI (pounds per square inch), which is similar to that of a gorilla.

So, in terms of pure muscle power and bite force, it’s fair to say that gorillas and bears are relatively evenly matched. However, it’s also worth considering the other physical attributes that each animal possesses. For example, gorillas are incredibly agile and can move quickly through their environment, which gives them an advantage in terms of evading predators or pursuing prey. On the other hand, bears have powerful claws that they can use to easily tear through a gorilla’s tough skin and muscle tissue.

It’s difficult to definitively say whether gorillas are stronger than bears – it realy depends on the specific scenario and the factors that are most important. However, both animals are undoubtedly among the most impressive and powerful creatures in the animal kingdom.

The Most Violent Species of Gorilla

It is important to note that gorillas are generally peaceful and non-aggressive animals. However, when it comes to physical altercations between gorilla groups, the silverback males are known to be incredibly strong and have long canines that can cause serious injuries. In such scenarios, the leaders of the groups may engage in physical fights, and silverbacks have been known to kill infants after taking over a group. However, it is crucial to emphasize that violence is not a typical behavior for gorillas in their natural habitat, and humans should avoid provoking or threatening them in any way.

The Force of a Gorilla Punch

It is widely believed that a gorilla punch is incredibly powerful, capable of delivering between 1300 to 2700 pounds of force with a single slam of its arm. To put this into perspective, this amount of force is enough to shatter a human skull.

Gorillas are incredibly strong animals, weighing on average around 400 pounds with a muscle mass density that is almost four times higher than the most heavily muscled human you know. This impressive strength is due to thir physical makeup, which includes a robust bone structure and powerful muscles throughout their body, particularly in their arms and shoulders.

While the exact force of a gorilla punch may vary depending on the size and strength of the individual animal, it is clear that these creatures possess an immense amount of power that should not be underestimated.

Fear of Gorillas

Gorillas, like many animals, have certain fears and phobias that can trigger their fight or flight response. One of the primary thigs that gorillas are afraid of is certain types of reptiles, such as chameleons and caterpillars. These creatures can cause a gorilla to feel threatened and trigger an aggressive response. In addition to reptiles, gorillas are also afraid of water. While they are capable of swimming, gorillas generally avoid water and will only cross streams if they can do so without getting wet, such as by crossing over fallen logs. Lastly, gorillas dislike rain and will seek shelter to avoid getting wet. while gorillas are strong and formidable creatures, they, like all animals, have their own unique fears and vulnerabilities.

mountain gorilla size
Source: igcp.org

Are Gorillas Stronger than Lions?

Gorillas are considered to be stronger than lions. It is estimated that gorillas are ten times stronger than lions. Gorillas have powerful upper bodies and are able to use their strength to slap, toss, and leap at their enemies. They are also capable of biting and tearing their opponents. This strength is due in part to their diet, which includes a lot of vegetation and fruits, providing them with the necessary nutrients and energy to maintain their muscle mass. gorillas are known for their impressive physical strength and are considered one of the strongest animals in the animal kingdom.

Are Gorillas Stronger Than Tigers?

Gorillas and tigers are both incredibly strong animals, but they have different types of strength. Gorillas are known for their impressive upper body strength, with the ability to lift up to 4,000 pounds. They also have strong jaws and sharp teeth, which they use for defense and hunting. On the other hand, tigers are incredibly fast and agile, and have powerful legs and jaws that allow them to take down large prey.

In terms of overll strength, it is difficult to say which animal is stronger as they have different physical abilities. However, in a one-on-one fight, it is likely that a tiger would be able to overpower a gorilla due to its speed, agility, and hunting skills. Tigers are also known for their ability to take down animals much larger than themselves, so it is unlikely that a gorilla would be able to defend itself against a tiger attack.

While gorillas are incredibly strong, tigers have a different set of physical attributes that make them formidable opponents. It is important to remember that in the wild, these animals typically avoid confrontation with one another and instead focus on their own survival strategies.

Comparing the Strength of a Silverback Gorilla and a Grizzly Bear

In a hypothetical scenario where a silverback gorilla and a grizzly bear engage in a fight, the grizzly bear would emerge as the clear winner. This is because grizzly bears are known to be one of the most formidable predators in the animal kingdom, with impressive physical capabilities that allow them to take down large prey with ease.

A typical grizzly bear can weigh up to 600 pounds and stand at a towering height of 8 feet. Their massive size, sharp claws, and powerful jaws make them a force to be reckoned with. On the other hand, a silverback gorilla weighs around 350 pounds and measures at 5-and-a-half-feet tall. While they have long arms that give them an advantage in reach, they lack the sheer strength and ferocity of a grizzly bear.

Furthermore, grizzly bears have a thick layer of fur and fat that protects them from the gorilla’s blows, whie the gorilla’s thin skin and lack of protective fur make it vulnerable to the bear’s attacks. Grizzly bears are also known to be skilled hunters and fighters, with a natural instinct for taking down large prey, while gorillas are primarily herbivorous and do not have the same level of predatory instincts.

While both silverback gorillas and grizzly bears are incredibly powerful animals in their own right, in a one-on-one fight, the grizzly bear would undoubtedly emerge as the winner due to its superior size, strength, and predatory instincts.

The Risk of Being Torn Apart by a Gorilla

Gorillas are incredibly powerful animals that possess immense physical strength, a 1,300 PSI bite and 2-inch fangs that can easily rip apart flesh and puncture skulls. While gorillas are generally not aggressive towards humans, they can become unpredictable and dangerous if provoked or threatened. If a gorilla were to attack a human, it is highly likely that it could cause serious harm or even death due to its immense strength and sharp fangs. Therefore, it is important to treat these animals with respect and caution and to avoid any unnecessary interactions with them in the wild.

mountain gorilla size
Source: gorillafund.org

Do Silverbacks All Come From Gorillas?

Not all gorillas become silverbacks. Only male gorillas reach the silverback stage, which is characterized by the silver-gray hair that covers their backs. However, not all male gorillas become dominant and attain a leadership role within their group. The progression to a leadership position depends on various factors such as genetics, the female that raises the young male, and if the male survives to become a dominant male of the group. Therefore, while all male gorillas have the potential to become silverbacks, not all of them will become dominant leaders.

Can Silverback Gorillas Swim?

Like all great apes, silverback gorillas are not natural swimmers. They are primarily terrestrial animals and avoid large bodies of water and rivers in the wild. However, in certain situations, they may wade through shallow water or cross streams. In captivity, some gorillas may enjoy playing in shallow pools or water features, but they are not known to swim long distances or for extended periods. Therefore, while silverback gorillas may be able to move through water to some extent, they are not considered natural swimmers.

Conclusion

The mountain gorilla is an impressive and massive animal, with adult males weighing up to 310 kg (683 lb) in captivity and reaching heights of 1.83 m (6 ft). These primates are diurnal, spending most of their day eating, and consuming an average of 18.8 kilograms (41 lb) of food daily. Compared to their lowland gorilla cousins, mountain gorillas have distinct differences, including longer hair and shorter arms, and can only survive in high altitudes of about 2,200–4,300 metres (7,200–14,100 ft). The gorilla is the largest of all primates, and the mountain gorilla is no exception. Their size and strength make them a fascinating animal to study and observe in their natural habitat.

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Ilona

Ilona is an experienced travel counselor who loves everything about Africa! She studied Tourism and Hospitality Management at Middle Tennessee State University, and now lives in Nashville. With 15 years of experience under her belt, Ilona is well-equipped to plan your perfect African adventure.