How Strong is a Gorilla? Discover the Secrets of Silverback Gorillas on a African Safari

Gorillas and their brutal animal power have been a subject of fascination to humans. The question of How Strong is a Gorilla is frequently discussed by wildlife enthusiasts, adventurers and safari tourists.

Meeting a Silverback in the wild, peaceful yet incredibly strong, their power does not merely count, but it is a memory to be told. They are great apes, the living symbols of power, and they have evolved to live, defend, and prosper in the forest depths in East Africa. 

How Strong is a Gorilla? A Quick Overview 

The physical strength of a gorilla is impressive. It has been estimated scientifically that a silverback is 4-10 times stronger than the average human being and can lift or even throw up to 815 kg (1,800 lbs).

Couple this with having a huge body size, bendable limbs and a bite with the strength of 1300 PSI and you have one of the most powerful primates on earth. It can be as much as you are viewing them constructing their nests, foraging, or demonstrating the power in every movement. 

The Secrets Behind Gorilla Power 

Gorillas do not need to go to the gym and build up muscle, they build up muscle during their daily activity. Their strength comes from: 

• Thick muscles which are much stronger than those of man. 
• An energy-giving, vegetarian diet. 
• Knuckle-walk posture which helps develop upper body strength.
• Evolutionary design used in climbing, defence and dominance exhibitions. 

A combination of these produces a primate that can withstand, move fast and be a brute. 

Female vs. Male Gorilla Strength 

Female gorillas can be considered strong, nevertheless, they are not as powerful as males. A female weighs half to two-thirds of a silverback, and her frame is less muscular and much more balanced.

Nevertheless, they are powerful enough to protect their young, move on trees without any difficulties, and walk miles in search of food. The difference is because the male gorilla requires dominance in his territory and strength to provide protection to his family.

Seeing Silverbacks on Safari 

Among all wildlife experiences on the planet, viewing a silverback on East Africa safari is among the most humbling ones. The Silverback heads the family, upholds order and observes guardianship. Though fearsome giants, Silverbacks are gentle giants unless agitated. 

While on a gorilla trekking safari you will observe how they steadily move in silence through the thick forests/thickets and yet readily break a tree branch in two, or put down a tree with a mere push of their bristling backs. 

Best Places to Go 

Silverback gorillas are located in just a few of conserved forests in the East &  Central Africa regions. 

● Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda), it is the most popular with a number of habituated gorilla families. 

● Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda) has a picturesque volcanic landscape as well as a few gorilla families. 

● Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda), it is renowned by the fact that it has well systematized trekking and is accessible. 

● Virunga Region (Rwanda, Uganda, DRC), a common mountainous region containing good gorilla conservation sites. 

These are the ideal spots that offer responsible tourism while gorilla trekking.

What the Trek Is Like 

The gorilla trek provides a tour of the thick rainforest with professional wildlife rangers who track the gorilla family. After locating the Silverback and his family , you will have one hour in their presence to view them in the intimate close-ups as they feed, rest or interact. It is a serene, intimate and memorable experience. 

Trek Safety Tips 

• Gorilla trekking is not dangerous under the guidance of the rangers.
• Always maintain a decent distance with the gorillas. 
• Do not make sudden or rapid use of the encounter. 
• Always keep away the gorillas, even when they approach. 
• Remain quiet and calm as you watch the family.
• It is not advisable to use flash photography. 

You should trust the rangers as they are highly trained in order to protect you and the gorillas. 

Gorilla Punch Force 

The striking power of a silverback gorilla is described in a book called Gorilla Punch Force. 

• Their striking power would be between 1,300 and 2,700 pounds of power.
• This power is great enough to cause great harm or even break human bones.
• In spite of this power, gorillas do not aggressively exercise their power.
• It is just their natural strength based on thick muscles and evolution. 

Gorilla Size & Build 

The power of a gorilla is directly associated with its spectacular physical appearance. 

Gorilla Height 

Gorillas stand up straight, 4 to 6 feet in height but they rarely walk in a fully erect stance. Their huge sizes in terms of chest width and length of the arms make them look bigger than they seem. 

Silverback Weight 

Adult silverbacks also measure 140 and 180 kg (310 and 400 lbs) and mountain gorillas occasionally mass as much as 180 kg (400lbs). 

Silverback Height 

When a silverback stands on its hind legs it rises to a height of between 5.5 to 6 feet and its arms span measured between 7 to 8 feet giving it a great advantage of pulling, lifting and climbing. 

Why Silverbacks Are So Strong 

Silverback strength is not just about muscle, it is about purpose. They play the role of guardian for the gorilla family: 

• Keep off enemies and other male predators.
• Leader daily wandering through the forest. 
• Wage battles when need be. 
• Provisions and uphold space. 

This duty moulds their physical and behavioral capacity. Evolution has been biased towards males who have the potential to intimidate, possess power and are resilient. 

Real Examples of Gorilla Strength 

There are numerous ways in which gorillas show their strength, and usually they are not aware how impressive it appears to humans: 

• Breaking off the stumpy bamboo sticks as though they were the twigs of dry wood. 
• Climbing up the vines or heavy branches to clear the way. 
• Moving tree trunks to build bedding or nesting areas. 
• One-handed uprooting of shrubs in the process of foraging. 
• Playing on high trees with their strong arms and legs. 

Every one of these daily tasks involves the use of great muscle strength, and gorillas accomplish them easily. 

Silverback Strength vs. Human Strength 

The comparison between gorillas and human beings is almost incredible. The strength of the upper body of a silverback is so elevated that: 

• A trained human athlete can be able to pull 200-300 lbs, whereas a gorilla can pull more than 1,800 lbs. 
• The maximum bite force of a human and a gorilla is 150 and 1300 PSI, respectively. 
• Punches of humans may reach 300-500 PSI, and the force in the gorilla arm may go above 900 PSI. 

This dissimilarity indicates why no one can ever dispute the dominance of a silverback in the wild. 

The Purpose Behind Gorilla Strength 

Gorilla power is not violence, it is survival. Their power allows them to: 

• Eat plant food. 
• Move over rough and rough surfaces. 
• Defend their group of males in fights with competitors.

Interestingly, even with this massive power, gorillas are calm and tender particularly to their families. To them strength is a tool, not a weapon. 

Conclusion 

How Strong is a Gorilla? A gorilla is strong in the wild to the extent that he can push heavy weight, bite like a huge predator and easily snap thick branches. They are strong because of their natural food, surroundings as well as their survival instincts.

But when you encounter a silver back on Uganda Big 5 Safari you get to know that even stillness and quietness can be powerful. Gorillas are soft-spoken in terms of power and thus they are among the most motivating creatures to observe in the wild environment.