Gorillas are roaming herbivores who live up to 40 years. Even though they can climb, they spend most of their time on the ground.

The 2 species of gorillas are the western gorilla and the eastern gorilla. They have been separated by the Congo River and its tributaries for 2 million years. Both species have 2 subspecies. All are critically endangered and a recent UN report predicted that their decline will continue to the point where they will be rare in many parts of their native Congo Basin by 2020.

Gorilla family groups are sometimes comprised of up to 50 relatives. Females mature at about 8 years of age and only bear 3 to 4 offspring, 1 every 4 to 6 years.