Gorilla main content.

Gorilla

Part of Hall of African Mammals.

A diorama of African gorillas shows several adults and one juvenile in a jungle setting with a mountain in the background.

Gorillas may weigh as much as 450 pounds, and large males may measure nearly 6 feet tall when standing. Gorillas have never been observed drinking in the wild. They spend the day feeding on leaves, bark, stems, and fruit, getting the water they need from their moist food.

Legendary explorer Carl Akeley collected these gorilla specimens in 1921. Returning to Africa for additional research in 1926, Akeley died near this site and was buried on the side of Mount Mikeno, the third volcano on the right in the background painting.