Important Facts about the Gorillas
A silver back (mature male gorilla) weighs nearly three times as much as the average man (up to 200kgs)
The mountain Gorilla is a distinct species from the cousin the western Lowland gorilla and was un known to western science until 1902
Gorillas share 97% of their genes with mankind. They are high sociable, moving in troops of between 5-50 animals typically comprising a silverback, three or four wives and several young.
Females reach sexual maturity in their eighth year, males when they are around13.
Gorillas have few natural enemies and can live for up to 50years in the wild.
A female gorilla has a similar gestation period to humans, and may raise up to six offspring if she lives to old age.
Gorillas spend most of their waking hours on the ground; sleep in trees, each building itself a temporary nest
Gorilla watching Etiquette
Gorillas are very susceptible to human illness, so always wash your hands before you visit them. If you feel unwell or carry a contagious disease, stay behind.
Turn your head away if you need to sneeze; never spit in the forest.
Stay in a tight group when near the gorillas, speaking only in whispers.
Don’t eat or drink near them, nor leave any rubbish.
For your safety and their health keep seven meters away from the gorillas but stay still if they approach you. Never touch a gorilla
Although non aggressive, they are wild animals and can sometimes charge, if this happens, crouch down, don’t look them in the eye and wait for them to pass.
Rash photography is forbidden. Point and shoot cameras are inadvisable as picture quality will be poor in these conditions and the flash can go off inadvertently.
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