Lowland gorillas found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo belong to the eastern lowland gorilla subspecies, also known as Grauer’s gorillas. These gorillas live in lowland and mid altitude forests and are only found in Congo. They are the largest of all gorilla subspecies and also the most widespread within the gorilla group.
Adult male eastern lowland gorillas can grow up to about 1.8 meters tall when standing and can weigh around 140 kilograms. Adult females are smaller and usually weigh about 90 kilograms. Lowland gorillas kept in zoos often gain more weight due to limited movement and regular feeding.
Like other gorillas, eastern lowland gorillas live in groups led by a dominant male known as a silverback. The silverback makes decisions for the group, such as where to feed, where to rest, and how to respond to danger. Female gorillas have a pregnancy period of about eight and a half months and usually give birth once every four to five years. Young gorillas stay close to their mothers for several years.
Lowland gorillas are generally calm animals. They only become aggressive when they feel threatened. Before attacking, they give warning signs such as loud calls, chest beating, throwing plants, and standing upright.
One famous lowland gorilla was Snowflake, the only known albino gorilla, found in Equatorial Guinea and later taken to Barcelona Zoo in 1966. Lowland gorillas are very intelligent and have been seen using tools such as sticks to collect insects, logs to cross water, and stones to break hard food.
Eastern lowland gorilla trekking is more challenging than mountain gorilla trekking because these gorillas move over wider areas. In Kahuzi-Biega National Park, three eastern lowland gorilla families have been habituated for tourism. Trekking starts at the Tshivanga Visitor Center after a ranger briefing.
Gorillas are the largest living apes and share about 98 percent of their DNA with humans. Each gorilla has a unique nose print, just like human fingerprints. Gorillas also show emotions and feelings. Mountain gorillas, for example, can show signs of happiness, sadness, and comfort within their family groups.
