Western Lowland Gorillas
Description:Gorillas are found in many parts of Africa, although the Western Lowland Gorilla is usually found in Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, and the surrounding area. The Western Lowland Gorilla is one of four subspecies of gorillas, and this species happens to weigh the lightest, with an average male weight of 135-220 kg and an average female weight of 70-90 kg. Male and female gorillas are sexually dimorphic. The male gorilla is sexually mature at around 12 years of age, reproducing at 15-20 years due to lack of dominance so early on. On the other hand, female gorillas are sexually matured from the age of 7-8, yet tend to reproduce at 10 years of age. Females also have a menstrual cycle, similar to humans, Their menstrual cycles are 30 to 32 days long. In a group of gorillas, only the dominant male is allowed to breed.
Gorillas are herbivores and their primary foods in the wild are fruits, leaves, stems, roots, vines, herbs, piths, trees and grasses. However, they are fed vegetables, fruit, monkey chow, muffins, etc.
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Taxonomic Classification:Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order:Primates Family: Hominidae Genus: Gorilla Species: G. gorilla The difference between the skull of a gorilla and that of a human. Gorilla skulls are larger than human ones, and they have a distinct brow ridge. Their skulls have a smaller braincase, meaning that their brain itself is smaller than a human brain. Gorilla skulls have a projecting face, meaning that their face juts outward. Humans, however, have a more flattened face.
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Habitat Comparison
Zoo Enclosure |
Gorilla's Natural Habitat
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The habitat at the zoo had a lot of open space, with barely any trees and designed more for people's enjoyment rather than the comfort of the gorillas themselves. On the other hand, the second image, shows three baby gorillas playing on a tree in their natural habitat. In their actual habitat, they are surrounded by a dense population of trees. The contrast between the two images is evident, and it is clear to see that the zoo enclosure does not accurately reflect the natural ecosystem of the gorillas. Although there are not many trees, the enclosure is at a suitable temperature that mirrors the humid conditions found in the actual rainforest. The Toronto Zoo provides celery, seeds and various greens scattered around their enclosure to encourage their natural foraging skills. The zoo also provides them with nets and other playing equipments to provide the gorillas with something to climb and keep fit with, as a replacement for not having enough trees to swing on.