Silverback gorilla3/7/2023 ![]() They might look like they could rip you apart, but in reality, they are gentle creatures that only want to be left alone. We all know that gorillas are gentle giants. So, all in all, it’s best to err on the side of caution when dealing with gorillas and take things slow. This has been a particularly big problem for hunters in the past, who have run into gorillas and gotten seriously injured as a result. ![]() If not, the group leader could become startled and attack. That’s why it’s so important that these animals are slowly habituated to people before allowing visitors. For one, males can be aggressive when they feel their group is threatened – even if it’s just a perceived threat. When it comes to gorillas, there are a few things you should know. It is important to remember that they are wild animals, and should be treated with caution and respect. While gorillas are generally calm animals, they can be aggressive in certain situations. When two groups of gorillas meet, the leaders often get into physical altercations, and silverbacks have been known to kill infants after taking over a group. The silverback males in particular are incredibly strong, and their long canines can cause serious injuries. They have small ears, large nostrils, one well-defined brow and short muzzles.While it is true that gorillas are not the giant, ferocious monsters that they were once believed to be, it is also true that they are powerful animals that can be dangerous if they feel threatened. The hair on the back of the males will turn silver-gray with age, earning them the name “silverback”. They have black skin and coarse hair ranging in color from brown to gray. Western lowland gorillas are large, muscular primates. What we learn by working with these three males will aid other zoos when forming additional bachelor groups. Since then, managing a bachelor group of gorillas has been an important part of the Gorilla SSP captive management plan. In captivity, we have to help them out in that bachelor group establishment. In the 1980s the Gorilla Species Survival Plan (SSP) had to provide companions for these male offspring and also find a way to optimize the use of limited captive space. Since gorillas are very social animals, these juvenile males form bachelor groups temporarily. So it is estimated that, at about 6 to 10 years of age, those males are driven out or leave on their own. Some of those offspring will eventually mature into reproductive males that could challenge the status of the resident silverback. Typically, gorillas in the wild live in large family units (a single silverback with several females and offspring). Visitors often ask why there are no females. Since Pende has matured into a silverback, he has been less interested in the power struggle. ![]() ![]() Now, Kongo is most dominant due to his size. Chip became a silverback first and for a while was the most dominant. The hair on the back of these males has either turned or is turning silver-gray with age, earning them the name “silverback”. In the winter months, the gorillas can been seen in the habitat’s indoor viewing area. Half-brothers Chipua (born in 1996), Pendeka (born in 1998) and Kongo-Mbeli (born in 1998) arrived at the Detroit Zoo in 2003 and can be seen at the Great Apes of Harambee, a 4-acre habitat that is also home to chimpanzees.
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