Wild Windows · Mountain Gorilla
Gorilla beringei beringei
A subspecies of eastern gorilla found in only two populations: the Virunga Mountains spanning Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. Once predicted to be extinct by the turn of the century, mountain gorillas have rebounded to over 1,000 individuals.
Natural History
Habitat
Montane and bamboo forests at elevations of 2,200 to 4,300 meters in the Virunga Mountains and Bwindi.
Diet
Herbivore: bamboo shoots, wild celery, leaves, stems, and occasionally insects.
Lifespan
35 to 40 years in the wild.
Behavior
Live in family groups led by a dominant silverback male. Build new nests of vegetation every night. Use a wide range of vocalizations and gestures to communicate.
Classroom Facts
Live Cameras
Each listing is hand-verified for source, permission status, and viewing quality.
Use This With
Printable, photocopy-friendly, designed by educators. Pair them with any cam featuring this species.
Research-style ethogram for grades 6–12. Two pages: definitions of 12 mammal behaviors, plus a 30-minute one-zero observation log students fill in during a cam watch. Compatible with our giant panda, African elephant, sea otter, African lion, polar bear, mountain gorilla, and red panda pages.
