Gorilla

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The gorilla is a great ape, which can be found from Central African countries near the Equator such as Cameroon, the Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic. It is the world's largest primate and among chimpanzee and orangutan one of the genetically closest mammals to human. Gorillas are around 150 to 180 centimeters tall and usually weigh about 70-180 kilograms, even though even 250 kilogram individuals have been found. They are built very strong and muscular with a long shoulder- and "wingspan". Usually Gorillas are pitch-black by color, but grayer and lighter populations have been discovered. They use four limbs for walking and their build enables climbing in trees and other agile activities.=====

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Gorillas are rigidly vegetarians compared to other primates. Its diet consists of leaves, sprigs, twigs, roots, flowers and fruit. In some instances, their diet may be filled with insects. It is also capable of using tools in the process of acquiring food. Gorillas live in groups which vary in size from five to dozens of indivuduals. A strong social hierarchy commands the groups. The group is lead by a male called "the silverback". Younger individuals leave the group when they reach maturity. The life in a group is very calm, but the competition between two individuals can sometimes lead to vicious fights. Usually these fights are between the silverback and a younger individual without a partner.=====



The fascinating figure and character of the gorilla has inspired lots of groundbreaking products in the entertainment business. One of the most revolutionary films in the history cinema, //"King Kong"//, came out in 1933, telling a compelling story of a giant gorilla. Also one of the most popular characters by Nintendo is //Donkey Kong//, a lazy banana collecting gorilla.

The gorilla is being threatened by the commercial logging of the enviroments in which they naturally live. Poaching and civil wars are also hurting the gorillas' habitat. It is also possible that the Ebola virus is killing western gorilla populations.

The Great Apes Survival Project, GRASP, is a partnership between UNEP and UNESCO that was established in 2001. GRASP arranged an international commitment to conserve gorillas in 2007.

//Juho and Matti//

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