GORILLA

The second closest relatives of humans (we share about 96% or our DNA) and largest of all the the apes. Gorillas move about the dense forests of equatorial Africa, in close family-groups led by the guidance and protection of one male, the dominant silverback. Albeit portrayed in films as the species to rule Earth after human extinction, it is the other way around. Gorillas as facing huge threat from human deforestation and the continuous illegal hunt for their meat. As an example, the subspecies Cross River gorilla is the world’s rarest great ape, with an estimated population of only about 250 individuals. Their impressive size and almighty appearance is a mask under which lies a purely vegetarian diet and a gentle, humble behaviour. They are the real gentle giants - the true gems of our natural world.