The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium has the largest family group of Western lowland gorillas in captivity in North America, an 11-member group that lives together 24 hours a day. The gorillas can be enjoyed in their natural habitat in the Tropical Forest Complex at the Pittsburgh Zoo.
The largest of the primates, gorillas are stocky, powerful apes with large nostrils and prominent brows. Male gorillas weigh up to 600 pounds and reach 6 feet tall, while females reach 200 pounds and stand up to 5 feet tall. Primarily vegetarians, gorillas eat fruits, plants and other vegetation. Despite their fierce appearance and displays of chest-beating, gorillas are actually very gentle and intelligent creatures.
One of three species of gorilla, the western lowland gorilla lives in the tropical rainforests of West Africa. It is an endangered species, with an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 remaining in the wild. There are presently over 300 lowland gorillas in North American zoos, including the troop of gorillas at the Pittsburgh Zoo.