Sleeping Gorilla at Dublin Zoo

Western lowland gorilla’s, the subspecies of gorilla at Dublin Zoo, are large primates with black skin and hair, which covers the whole body excluding the face, ears, palms and soles of feet. Males are larger than females and grow silver hair on their back when they are the dominant male which gives them the name ‘silverbacks’.

The western lowland gorilla is the smallest subspecies of gorilla and originate from the mountainous rainforests of West Central Africa.

A troop is led by a strong, experienced male known as a "silverback." His job is a big one. He is responsible for the safety and well being of the members of his troop. The silverback makes all the decisions, such as where the troop will travel for food each day, when they will stop to eat or rest, and where they will spend the night.