Introduction

If you've ever been curious about the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda or have considered embarking on a trek to see them in their natural habitat, you're not alone. These remarkable creatures have captivated people worldwide. In this article, we'll answer some of the most common questions asked about mountain gorillas from Volcanoes National Park and provide insights into their lives and what to expect when encountering them.

1. How much do the gorillas weigh?

The eastern gorilla is a big creature with a large head, wide chest, and long arms. They have a flat nose with big nostrils. Their face, hands, feet, and chest don't have any hair. Most of their fur is black, but adult males have a silver patch on their back. As they get older, this patch turns white, similar to how old people get gray hair. That's why older males are called "silverbacks." When compared to Grauer's gorillas, mountain gorillas have bluish fur. Mountain gorillas are a bit smaller and lighter than Grauer's gorillas, but they're still larger and heavier than western lowland gorillas and Cross River gorillas. Among eastern gorillas, males are much bigger than females. A full-grown male eastern gorilla usually weighs between 140 to 205.5 kilograms (309 to 453 pounds) and stands at a height of about 1.7 meters (5.6 feet) when standing upright.

2. How close can I get to a gorilla when visiting them?

For the gorillas' safety and health, it's crucial to keep a distance of about 22 feet (7 meters) when visiting. If you're feeling unwell with a cold, flu, or any contagious illness, it's best to skip the visit to the gorillas. This simple precaution helps protect both you and the gorillas, ensuring a safe and responsible experience. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. When visiting the gorillas, please don't try to touch them. It's important to give them space and let them be. Also, if you need to cough or sneeze, kindly turn your head away from the gorillas. This helps prevent the potential spread of illness. Following these simple rules is essential for everyone's safety and health.

3. Where do gorillas sleep at night?

Gorillas have an interesting bedtime routine – they make a new nest every night! To build their nests, gorillas use various plants, like leaves, bush parts, and branches, creating layers of bedding in a circular shape. This nest-building process usually takes them around 5 minutes. Mountain gorillas typically choose to make their nests on the ground, but sometimes, you might spot a gorilla resting in an elevated nest. Younger gorillas may also create daytime nests to rest in. One fascinating thing about gorillas is that they rarely sleep in the same nest twice. Even when they're close to a nest they made the previous night, they prefer to make a fresh one. This habit of building new nests each night is useful for researchers. By counting the daily gorilla nests, scientists can figure out the size of a group and get insights into the overall gorilla population. Baby gorillas have their own bedtime rules. Infant gorillas sleep in their mother's nest until their mother has another baby. If a baby gorilla is too young or doesn't yet have the skills to make its own nest, it shares a nest with its mother. But when their mother has another baby, which usually happens after about four years, young gorillas start making their own nests. Before that, they often practice building nests during the day, known as day nests.

So, just like us, gorillas have their bedtime routines and habits, each with its own purpose in their fascinating lives.

4. What do the gorillas eat?

Mountain gorillas have a pretty big appetite, spending about a quarter of their day eating, mostly plants. They love munching on leaves, stems, and hoots, which make up around 85% of their diet. But they can also get a bit more adventurous with their food. Gorillas might snack on ants, snails, larvae, and even things like barks, roots, and rotting wood. Believe it or not, rotting wood is a good source of salt for them. This diverse diet helps them make the most of what's available in their habitat. It's not just interesting; it's important for their health, giving them the nutrients and minerals they need to thrive. While they might seem like strict vegetarians, gorillas actually have a mixed diet that includes some plant-based and occasional animal-based foods. It shows how resourceful and adaptable they are in the wild.

5. How do Gorillas Bathe and brush their hair?

Gorillas, these remarkable creatures, have a unique grooming routine that's vital for their hygiene and social bonding. Unlike some other primates, gorillas don't rely on teeth or claws to stay clean. Instead, they use their nimble fingers to meticulously pick off dirt, debris, and parasites from their fur. Grooming is a significant part of a gorilla's daily life. They can spend hours on this task, and it plays a crucial role in their social dynamics. Gorillas are known for their care and precision, using not only their hands but also sticks and leaves to reach those challenging spots. This grooming isn't just about looking good; it's essential for their health. Keeping clean helps prevent skin infections, ensuring their well-being. Rain isn't a hindrance for gorillas; they embrace it. When it rains, they stand tall, arms outstretched, letting the rain rinse away dirt and dust. This behavior is quite reminiscent of human grooming habits. They carefully pick through their hair, checking each other for parasites and debris. It's not merely about hygiene; it reinforces social bonds, highlighting their cooperative and caring nature.

Gorillas don't groom alone; they extend their care to each other. They help pick off dirt, parasites, and dead skin from their companions' fur. This isn't just about cleanliness; it's also about building trust and strengthening social connections. Young gorillas learn the art of grooming by imitating the adults, honing their social skills. Tools are a part of gorilla grooming. They utilize sticks and leaves to reach challenging spots and ensure thorough cleaning. For gorillas, cleanliness isn't just a matter of personal hygiene; it's about communication, social bonding, and overall health. By observing and appreciating gorilla grooming behavior, we can better support their conservation and well-being. These powerful yet graceful creatures teach us about the importance of cleanliness and cooperation within their unique world. Learn more about How to visit gorillas in their natural habitat in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park.