Gorillas are the largest living primates, and their sheer size often sparks curiosity. When considering the “biggest gorilla ever recorded,” the answer depends on whether one refers to extinct species or living ones, and if the measurement considers average size for a species or an exceptionally large individual.
Measuring Gorilla Size
Gorilla size is typically assessed using several metrics, including standing height, weight, arm span, and chest circumference. Adult male gorillas, known as silverbacks, are significantly larger than females. Measuring gorillas accurately in their natural habitat presents challenges due to their elusive nature. Researchers often employ non-invasive techniques, such as photogrammetry, which uses photographic measurements to estimate body dimensions without direct physical contact. Size can also vary considerably between different gorilla subspecies, with those in captivity sometimes reaching larger weights than their wild counterparts due to consistent access to food.
Ancient Giant Gorillas
The extinct ape Gigantopithecus blacki is often considered when discussing the “biggest ever.” This enormous primate lived in Asia from 2 million to 300,000 years ago. While depicted as gorilla-like, Gigantopithecus was not a true gorilla; it is believed to be more closely related to orangutans. Based on limited fossil evidence, Gigantopithecus blacki could have stood around 3 meters (10 feet) tall and weighed between 200 to 300 kilograms (440 to 660 pounds), making it the largest ape known to have existed.
Largest Modern Gorillas
Among living gorillas, the Eastern Gorilla species generally surpasses the Western Gorilla in size.
Eastern Gorillas
The Eastern Gorilla includes two subspecies: the Eastern Lowland Gorilla (also known as Grauer’s Gorilla) and the Mountain Gorilla. The Eastern Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri) is considered the largest of all gorilla subspecies. Adult male Eastern Lowland Gorillas weigh between 163 to 210 kilograms (359 to 460 pounds) and stand about 1.69 to 1.85 meters (5.5 to 6.1 feet) tall. Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) are slightly smaller than Eastern Lowland Gorillas. Adult male Mountain Gorillas weigh around 155 to 162.5 kilograms (342 to 358 pounds) and reach heights of about 1.7 meters (5.6 feet).
Western Gorillas
The Western Gorilla species comprises the Western Lowland Gorilla and the Cross River Gorilla. The Western Lowland Gorilla is the smallest subspecies, with males averaging 136 to 170 kilograms (300 to 374 pounds) and standing 1.7 to 1.8 meters (5.6 to 6 feet) tall.
Record-Breaking Individual Gorillas
Several individual gorillas have achieved size records.
Wild Records
The heaviest wild gorilla recorded was a silverback shot in Ambam, Cameroon, weighing 267 kilograms (589 pounds) and standing 1.83 meters (6 feet) tall. Another wild silverback, shot in Alimbongo, Kivu, in 1938, holds the record for tallest at 1.95 meters (6 feet 5 inches) with a weight of 219 kilograms (483 pounds).
Captive Records
In captivity, gorillas can exceed wild weights due to controlled diets. An Eastern Lowland Gorilla named Phil, housed at the St. Louis Zoo, was recorded at 390 kilograms (860 pounds). Titus, a mountain gorilla, was also a large individual, weighing 267 kilograms and standing 1.95 meters tall.