Western Lowland Gorilla

The Western Lowland&nsbp;Gorilla is the largest primate on Earth.

Of the three existing subspecies of gorillas (western, eastern and mountain gorilla), the western gorilla stands out for its wider distribution.

Its gray and brown coat is thick and coarse. In the adult male, the silver section (which appears at 10 years of age) extends towards the thighs, while on the top of the head the fur is sometimes reddish brown (or even blond). The nostril runners are poorly demarcated.

The gorillas live peacefully in the heart of the jungle. The only potential enemy they have is man. Therefore, when they detect someone in the undergrowth trying to steal their young, they react aggressively and show their teeth threateningly. They are capable of selling their lives to protect their own.

They form a patriarchal society; males can engage in bloody clashes when fighting for control of females. Male gorillas are much larger than females, who have little chance of gaining the upper hand. Given the strength of these giants, they have a submissive attitude.

They are mainly herbivores and feed on leaves, grass, branches, fruits, berries and shoots; their diet also includes small insects.