Mountain gorillas
Mountain gorillas were first discovered about a hundred years ago by the German researcher Robert von Beringei, after whom gorillas are also named Gorilla beringei beringei. Gorillas are only found in a few places, one of which is the Virunga Mountains on the border of Rwanda, Uganda and Congo. They live only in rainforests and at an altitude between 2200 - 4000 m.n.m. In Rwanda, they can be found in the Parc National des Volcans, in Uganda in Bwindi and Ruwenzori Parks. There are currently only about 630 specimens of mountain gorillas in the world.
Gorillas live in small groups and feed almost exclusively on plant foods. The gorilla gang can number 30 individuals and there is a strict hierarchy. The dominant role is played by the oldest male, who decides on everything in the gang. Their facial expressions and behavior are strikingly similar to people. Their relationships are loving and considerate.
The male grows to a size of about 180 cm up to 2 meters. Specimens that are over two meters tall are known. The weight of adult males is around 150 - 200 kg. Females are smaller, growing to a height of about 150 cm at 70 to 110 Kg. Males are silver-gray on the back.
Meeting gorillas in their natural habitat is a fascinating experience. Observing from the immediate vicinity of the creature that is most similar to man, recognizing their moods and facial expressions, which is practically the same as human, one will never forget. The look in the gorilla's eyes is simply magical.
