September 25, 2026

World Gorilla Day — and the facts worth knowing every day

Photo: Eric Guzzetta

World Gorilla Day was yesterday — but these facts are worth discovering every day! Want to know more about these critically endangered great apes? Here are some of our top facts:

Incredible strength: Adult male silverbacks can lift more than 1,800 pounds. They also have immense jaw power and can crush tough vegetation.
Highly social: Adult male silverbacks are not often found alone — they lead family groups called troops, which are often made up of females and offspring.
Peaceful by nature: Even though they are very strong, gorillas don’t like conflict. They rely on body language, chest-beating, and vocalizations to communicate and defuse tension.
Emotionally complex: Gorillas form deep bonds, express emotions like joy and grief, and engage in affectionate behaviours like play and grooming.

Gorillas, like chimpanzees, are endangered — but they are fighting to survive. And at the Jane Goodall Institute’s Tchimpounga Sanctuary, the team provides these great apes with the safe haven they need. There, they are able to be surrounded by care, comfort, and expert support.

We’ll never turn away an animal in need — and we can only keep that promise because of our wonderful community of supporters, who make sure Tchimpounga can continue to operate without interruption. We’re grateful for your kindness and generosity.