Gorillas can climb trees, but are usually found on the ground in communities of up to 30 individuals.

After much internal debate, Dian used his celebrity and his tragic death to gain attention and support for gorilla conservation. She established the Digit Fund to raise money for her “active conservation” and anti-poaching initiatives.

Fossey revealed, for instance, that mountain gorillas have families. Like humans, the mother gorilla shares a strong relationship with the offspring, and they mourn like us, says Dr. Stoinski. Male and female gorillas within a group share a strong bond.

Gorillas don’t always sleep in trees. Some mountain gorillas prefer to sleep on the ground, possibly to huddle down in the cool, higher altitude. “But then the gorillas carry on feeding until they build a nest – and the humans leave the gorillas in time to get back to their ‘nest’,” says Redmond.

35 – 40 years

Predators. Leopards and crocodiles are large carnivores which may prey upon gorillas. Humans are the greatest threat to all gorilla populations.

Colo (gorilla)

ATLANTA — The world’s oldest living gorilla is celebrating a milestone birthday on Sunday, just in time for Father’s Day! Ozzie, who is the oldest male gorilla on record, turned 60. The beloved zoo patriarch celebrated with a multi-tiered cake that he immediately toppled in its side.

Orangutans

Jeanne Calment