Lifespan of Gorillas: How long do Gorillas live?
How long do gorillas live? The lifespan of gorillas varies. Gorillas are two types of species the lowland Gorillas and the mountain Gorillas. Lowland Gorillas live in captivity, usually ‘zoo’ they can only survive in captivity. While the mountain Gorillas are giant wild apes, shy and intelligent endangered species.
Gorillas share 98% DNA with human beings, that’s why they are called the human cousins, next closest to humans after the chimpanzees and Baboons. Mountain Gorillas are giant wild and intelligent animals, they are endangered species sharing 98% DNA with human beings, that’s why they’re called the human cousins, as you shall find out on your Uganda safari.
The lowland Gorillas are found in the forest of Gabon, Cameroon, Nigeria, Angola, Equatorial of Guine and some parts of Congo. While the wild mountain Gorillas live in the tropical rain forest of mountain areas in Africa.
African countries with mountain Gorillas include Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.
In Uganda we have the mountain Gorillas these inhabit/protected in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in south west part and Mgahinga National Park. The national parks of Uganda where, (Uganda Gorilla safaris occur), protect 12 habituated Gorilla families with 11 families in Bwindi national park and 1 family in Mgahinga national park.
The difference between the two species are the habitats, color and how long their hair is. Gorillas look after the aged members in a similar way as human beings. All Gorillas have distinct signs of age according to the World Wildlife Fund. The lifespan of Gorillas is up to the age of 35-40 years. Mountain Gorillas often suffer from arthritis, which damages the bones, feet, and hands.
Although Gorillas in the zoo can live 50 years and more, compared to the mountain Gorillas. They also suffer from loss of teeth, which means they have a problem of feeding. They take long to feed than other members of the family, which adds to the reduction of the lifespan of Gorillas, hence leading to their early death.
