Gorillas are the largest of the apes. They belong to the family Pongidae. Males may stand over 5 feet tall and weigh more than 500 pounds. Females are smaller. Mountain-dwelling gorillas of Central Africa have black coats; lowland or coastal gorillas are rusty gray.

Breeding can take place any time of the year. There is one offspring born after an 8.5 month gestation.Female gorillas live in harems guarded by a silverback male.

When in captivity, an adult gorilla eats 30 to 40 pounds of fruit, vegetables and meat every day.