The Gorilla is the largest primate weighing upwards of 450 pounds. They are the second most similar species to humans, behind the chimpanzee, sharing 99% of our DNA. The Gorilla and the Human Being are thought to have diverged seven million years ago.
Gorillas are very smart and are believed to be capable of a high level of thought.
Due to heavy poaching and illegal gorilla trade, both Western and Eastern Gorillas are on the IUCN Red List. Other common threats to the Gorilla include habitat destruction and the Ebola virus.
