Gorillas are the largest primates inhabiting African forests. Their robust and muscular build allows them to navigate dense vegetation. Understanding their height offers insight into their adaptations and species differences.
How Tall Are Gorillas
Gorilla height varies significantly by species and sex, with males generally being much larger than females. When measuring a gorilla’s height, scientists typically take the measurement from head to heel if the animal were standing fully upright, even though gorillas primarily move by knuckle-walking on all fours.
The two main gorilla species, Western and Eastern, encompass several subspecies, each with distinct average heights. Western gorillas include the Western Lowland Gorilla and the Cross River Gorilla. Adult male Western Lowland Gorillas can reach an average height of 1.7 to 1.8 meters (approximately 5.5 to 6 feet), while females typically stand around 1.4 meters (4.5 feet) tall. Cross River Gorillas, a more reclusive subspecies, have adult males that can reach about 1.65 to 1.75 meters (5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 9 inches) and females around 1.4 meters (4 feet 7 inches).
Eastern gorillas comprise the Eastern Lowland Gorilla (also known as Grauer’s Gorilla) and the Mountain Gorilla. Eastern Lowland Gorillas are often considered the largest of all gorilla subspecies. Adult males can stand up to 1.69 to 1.85 meters (5 feet 7 inches to 6 feet 1 inch) tall, with females reaching about 1.6 meters (5.2 feet). Mountain Gorillas, found in higher altitudes, have adult males that typically range from 1.2 to 1.8 meters (4 to 6 feet) in height, and females are generally shorter, at 1 to 1.5 meters (3.5 to 5 feet). The tallest recorded gorilla stood 1.95 meters (6 feet 5 inches) tall.
Measuring Gorilla Height
Accurately determining gorilla height in natural habitats presents challenges due to their remote, dense forest environments. Directly measuring wild animals is difficult and can disrupt their natural behaviors.
Scientists employ various indirect techniques to estimate gorilla height in the wild. One method is photogrammetry, which uses photographs and known reference points to calculate body dimensions without physical contact. Researchers might also use laser rangefinders with cameras to determine distance, allowing for size calculations from photographic data. These non-invasive methods provide valuable estimations, though they may not always yield precise measurements due to field conditions and animal movement.
In controlled environments like zoos or sanctuaries, direct measurements can be obtained during veterinary procedures, health check-ups, or through cooperative training. Even with these methods, obtaining exact and consistent measurements remains challenging.