Slow breeders whose babies shape the survival of the species.
Mountain gorillas reproduce slowly. A female typically gives birth to one infant after a gestation of about eight and a half months, and may raise only a few young in her lifetime. This slow pace makes protecting every group important.
Quick FactsAbout 8.5 months.
Roughly four years.
Around two to three years.
Females from about 8 to 10 years.
Newborns weigh little and cling to their mothers. They ride on the back from around five months and start to explore by one year.
The silverback tolerates and protects the group’s infants. Females may leave to join other groups when they mature.
Births count toward recovering the population. Trekking fees fund rangers and vets who protect infants.
See gorilla facts, silverbacks and Bwindi.
Frequently Asked QuestionsAbout eight and a half months.
Roughly every four years.
Sometimes, if the group has infants.
Gorillas invest heavily in each infant.
Gentle giants that live in family groups and eat mostly plants.
Explore →What a silverback is, how big it grows, what it eats and how you can meet one on foot in Uganda or Rwanda.
Explore →Plan a luxury gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with Ameera Africa Safaris.
Explore →Habituated gorillas are calm around people, but they are wild animals and rules exist for everyone’s safety.
Explore →Tell us your dates and interests and we will design the route around you.
