Gorilla Fun for Kids

Gorillas are strong, smart animals that live in forests. These gentle giants are the largest kind of ape in the world! Even though they look big and tough, they are peaceful and love spending time with their families. Gorillas are very smart and can even learn to use simple tools, just like humans!

Watch a Gorilla in Action!

Gorillas are fun to watch as they play, eat, and care for each other. Here’s a great video of gorillas doing just that!

What is a Gorilla?

A gorilla is a type of large ape that lives in groups called troops. They are covered in black or brownish fur and walk on their hands and feet.

• Gorillas are mammals and primates, just like humans
• They are very smart and can use tools
• They live in family groups with a leader called a silverback
• Gorillas have big arms and gentle eyes

Where do Gorillas live?

Gorillas live in warm, green places with lots of trees. They spend most of their time in forests in Africa.

• Gorillas live in central and western Africa
• They like rainforests with lots of plants and shade
• Some gorillas live in mountains and others live in lowlands

What do Gorillas eat?

Gorillas love to munch on plants. They eat all kinds of fruits and leaves all day long!

• They eat fruits, leaves, and stems
• Sometimes they eat ants or termites
• They eat for many hours each day

How big is a Gorilla?

Gorillas are super big! A full-grown male gorilla is about as tall as a grown-up human and much heavier!

• A male gorilla can grow up to 5.5 feet tall (about 1.7 meters)
• They can weigh up to 400 pounds (about 180 kilograms)
• That’s heavier than a refrigerator!

What sound do Gorillas make?

Gorillas make many different sounds. They grunt, hoot, and sometimes even roar to talk to their families!

Cool Gorilla facts

Gorillas are amazing animals with lots of cool things to know about them!

• Gorillas can learn sign language
• Each gorilla has a unique nose print, like a fingerprint
• They sleep in nests they make from leaves
• Baby gorillas are called infants
• They live in groups with up to 30 gorillas
• Gorillas can live up to 40 years in the wild
• They rarely fight and like to keep peace in their group
• Some gorillas have been seen using sticks to check water depth

Printables and coloring fun

Have fun learning about gorillas with printable coloring pages and games!

• Download Gorilla Coloring Page (PDF)

Gorillas in the eco-system

Gorillas help their forest homes by spreading seeds and keeping the jungle healthy. But there are not as many gorillas as there used to be.

• Gorillas help new trees grow by spreading seeds in their poop
• They are a keystone species, which means other animals need them too
• Gorillas are endangered and need our help
• There are only around 100,000 gorillas left in the wild

Ask a grown-up to help you learn more

Here are some great places where you and a grown-up can learn more about gorillas!

• National Geographic – Gorilla Facts
• WWF – Gorilla Information
• African Wildlife Foundation – Gorillas

Fun questions about Gorillas

• What do gorillas eat?
• Where do gorillas live?
• Are gorillas friendly?
• How big is a gorilla?
• What sound does a gorilla make?
• How long do gorillas live?
• Can gorillas swim?
• Do gorillas use tools?
• Are gorillas smart?
• Why are gorillas endangered?

Ways to donate and support Gorillas

You can help protect gorillas by learning more, spreading the word, or donating to groups that keep them safe. Every little bit helps gorillas stay happy and healthy in their forest homes!

Donate to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund