Gorilla weight, Size & Height | How Big & tall is a Gorilla
Gorillas are the largest primates and because of their physical shape, sizes, height and strength, they look intimidating yet very intelligent, sensitive and gentle primates.
Gorillas reach adulthood at 12 years and adult males, called whether blackbacks or silverbacks can weigh between 140 to 200 kilograms in the wild.
Male adult gorilla height ranges from 1.5 to 1.8 meters when standing upright, with an impressive arm that span up to 2.6 meters. These physically well designed and built gorilla bodies make them one of the most feared and strongest animals in the wild.
Meanwhile as compared to their male counterparts, the female fully-grown gorillas are smaller and lighter, weighing between 70 and 120 kilograms and standing between 1.2 to 1.5 meters tall. Despite their smaller size, they share the same muscular build and adaptability.
Gorilla bodies are designed for survival in challenging environments, using their strength and size for protection and foraging. This explains why they cannot survive in the zoos, especially the mountain gorillas.
The four subspecies of gorillas—Mountain, Eastern Lowland, Western Lowland, and Cross River—differ slightly in size and build however, the differences reflect their adaptation to habitats ranging from tropical forests to mountainous terrain.
Gorilla weight
Without a doubt, gorillas are the world’s largest primates, with males weighing around 143-169kg and standing about 1.4-1.8m tall in the wild.
Female gorillas tend to lighter and can weigh up to 120kg. A male gorilla’s arms are enormous, stretching 2.3-2.6m in size, while female gorilla’s arms are proportionally smaller.
The world’s ever recorded largest gorilla in the wild weighed 267kg when it was shot in Cameroon, it measured 1.95m tall, measured 1.98m around the chest and possessed a 2.7m arm.
In captivity, gorillas especially lowland gorillas may reach up to 310kg.
The weight of a gorilla depends on its species, subspecies, gender, and habitat. However, in average, the weight of a gorilla is as summarized below;
Male gorillas (blackbacks and silverbacks):
- Weigh between 140 to 200 kilograms.
- Some wild silverbacks can reach up to 230 kilograms, though this is rare.
- In captivity, where food is abundant, males may weigh up to 270 kilograms.
Female gorillas (fully grown):
- Weigh significantly less, ranging between 70 to 120 kilograms.
- Captive females may weigh slightly more due to diet and reduced activity.
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Gorilla size
When it comes to general body size, the gorilla is the largest primate. On average, they are 4 to 6 feet tall.
Adult males can weigh nearly 500 pounds. Their size varies depending on species and sex. Female adult gorillas tend to be smaller than their male counterparts.
Out of all the gorilla species, the largest are the Eastern gorillas species, adult male eastern gorillas weigh up to 484 pounds and females weigh up to 215 pounds.
Gorilla height
Gorillas are shorter than humans when standing upright, but their broad shoulders and muscular build make them appear larger.
Male gorillas;
- Stand at 1.5 to 1.8 meters tall when on two legs.
- On all fours (knuckle-walking), their height averages 0.9 to 1.2 meters at the shoulders.
Female gorillas:
- Reach heights of 1.2 to 1.5 meters when standing upright.
- On all fours, they measure around 0.8 to 1 meter at the shoulders.
Body Structure
Gorillas’ proportions contribute to their immense strength:
Chest size: Males have a chest circumference of up to 1.5 meters.
Arm span: Males’ arms stretch 2.3 to 2.6 meters, longer than their height.
Muscle density: Their muscles are denser and more powerful compared to humans.
Summary of Gorillas Weight, Size & Height
| Subspecies | Weight (Male) | Weight (Female) | Height (Male) | Height (Female) |
| Mountain Gorillas | 140–195 kg | 70–110 kg | 1.5–1.7 m | 1.2–1.4 m |
| Eastern Lowland Gorillas | 140–200 kg | 90–120 kg | 1.6–1.8 m | 1.4–1.5 m |
| Western Lowland Gorillas | 140–160 kg | 70–90 kg | 1.5–1.7 m | 1.2–1.4 m |
| Cross River Gorillas | 140–180 kg | 70–90 kg | 1.5–1.7 m | 1.2–1.4 m |
Why are gorillas big?
Several factors influence gorillas’ weight and height:
Diet: Wild gorillas are majorly herbivorous animals meaning they feed majorly on plants and trees, because they over eat, this explains their giant body size. Captive gorillas may grow larger due to high-calorie diets.
Habitat: Mountain gorillas, adapted to cooler climates, carry more fat compared to their lowland counterparts.
Gender: Males develop larger bodies for dominance and mating competition, while females remain smaller for agility and energy conservation.
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Comparison with Humans
When comparing gorillas with humans, they may not be taller than humans, but their sheer weight and muscular build set them apart. In fact, a gorilla is 10 times more powerful and stronger than an average human being.
Average human male is 70–80 kg and 1.7–1.8 m tall while an average male gorilla is 140-180Kg and 1.2-1.4m tall.
Average human female: 60–70 kg and 1.6–1.7 m tall while and average female gorilla is 120-140kg and can be 1.1-1.3m tall.
Conclusion
Gorillas are not just large primates; their physical dimensions are a testament to their dominance in the wild. Whether it’s their immense weight, impressive height, or muscular build, their size plays a critical role in survival.
They are remarkable creatures with their size, weight, and strength and understanding this makes you appreciate them even more. From the giant and intimidating silverbacks to smallest yet impressive fully grown female gorillas, their physical shape, weight and height ensure the gorilla’s survival and thrive in the forests and mountains of Africa where they live.
If you are interested in visiting mountain or lowland gorillas to witness these adorable gentle giants in their natural habitats, get in touch and we shall share with you a detailed itinerary that involves gorilla trekking or Gorilla habituation.
Anthony N
Anthony is a former Software Engineer tuned Safari Curator Enthusiast.
Combining technical expertise with creativity, he excels in crafting destination guides, cultural insights, and tech-enhanced travel content.
Believing in the transformative power of travel, Anthony inspires responsible travel and sustainability.
Featured in top travel publications and known for his workshops, he mentors aspiring creators while guiding audiences on authentic and meaningful journeys.
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