Gorillas are gentle giants of the African forests and share nearly 98% of their DNA with humans, making them one of our closest relatives. Found in the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa, gorillas are divided into two species: eastern gorillas (including the mountain gorilla) and western gorillas (including the western lowland gorilla).

Living in family groups led by a dominant silverback male, gorillas display deep social bonds and remarkable intelligence, often using tools and complex communication methods. These herbivorous primates rely on leaves, fruits, and shoots for sustenance. However, their survival is threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and diseases such as Ebola. Conservation programs, including eco-tourism and habitat restoration, have been essential in stabilizing their populations, especially for the critically endangered mountain gorilla.