Gorillas
Gorillas have stocky builds with broad, shallow chests, short trunks, and arms longer than legs. Gorillas emit more than 15 recognized vocalizations. Sounds are used primarily for group communication because gorillas are almost invisible to one another when traveling and feeding in dense forest vegetation. Facial expressions for communicating include lip-pursing (tension), protruding tongue (uncertainty or concentration), and yawning (stress).
Riverbanks zoo has 3 male gorillas. A pack of male gorillas living together is called a bachelor group. Chaka is 22, weighs 460 pounds, and is Riverbanks' oldest gorilla. He is the leader/dominant male of Riverbanks zoo's bachelor group. Kimya is 470 pounds and weighs more than Chaka; however, Chaka looks heavier because he has a stockier build. Mike is 14 years old and is the smallest member of the group. He weighs 380 pounds. He is the least dominant, but has the most personality. Riverbanks' gorillas enjoy monkey biscuits and fresh produce such as lettuce, fruits and vegetables. They also enjoy foraging for food throughout the day. Vegetation in the outdoor yard is carefully selected because it is edible and renewable.
RANGE: Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Congo, and the Central African Republic.
HABITAT: Tropical rainforests, forest edges and clearings, riverine forests, swamps, and abandoned cultivated fields.
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Up to 50+ years in zoos.
BEHAVIOR: Gorillas live in groups led by a single adult male (Silverback), several adult females and young offspring.
DIET IN WILD: Gorillas are primarily vegetarians eating over 200 species of plant. They will also feed on termites and ants.
DIET IN ZOO: Fruits, vegetables, greens, commercial primate biscuits, sunflower seeds, local non-toxic browse ( i.e. bamboo,sweet gum, banana trees, willow,).