Like all great apes, gorillas have arms that are longer than their legs and tend to walk on all four limbs at certain times – a movement that is called knuckle walking. Adult males are known as ‘silverbacks’ due to the distinctive silver-colored hair on their backs.
Depending on the sub-species, the Gorillas’ appearance may vary. The Western sub-species tend to be brownish gray in color, while the eastern and mountain gorillas tend to have a more blackish coat. Mountain gorillas also have longer and thicker fur which is adapted to their colder mountainous habitat. The three lowland sub-species of gorillas sport short, fine hair. Eastern lowland gorillas are the largest of the four subspecies.
Gorilla’s eat healthy foods such as leaves, shoots, roots, vines and fruits and are a popular zoo attraction at feeding time. I grew up in Chicago and one of my favorite houses was the ape house. It always fascinated me to watch the large Gorilla’s eating and interacting with one another.
When you take your children to see the Gorillas keep in mind that they are shy animals that are most active during the day. At dusk, each gorilla constructs a ‘nest’ of leaves and plant material in which it will sleep. Mothers usually share their nests with nursing infants.
Gorilla’s are an endangered species and if you home school you can teach your children about Gorilla’s during their science or geography lesson. Here is a craft idea you might like to try. http://www.first-school.ws/activities/alpha/g/gorilla.htm.
For other future lessons see our line of brightly painted 3d wooden puzzles.
Tags: 3d wooden puzzle