![male silverback gorilla male silverback gorilla](https://files.broadsheet.ie/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/males.jpg)
The World Wildlife Fund says all gorilla species - including cross river gorillas, mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas - are at risk. The species can be distinguished from other gorillas by their smaller size, shorter hair, wider skull, brown-grey coats and auburn chests. They can be found in Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, the Republic of Congo and Angola. The gorilla population has declined by more than 60 per cent over the last 20 to 25 years, according to the World Wildlife Fund.ĭisease, poaching and habitat destruction are all threats to the population's survival. Their diet consists of leaves, shoots and fruits. Parts of Central and Western Africa near the equator is a portion of the silverback gorilla habitat. Silverback males typically become the leader of a troop. Western lowland gorillas are a critically endangered species. At around the age of 13, male gorillas become silverbacks. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Gorilla Species Survival Plan (SSP) recommended Jasiri move to Calgary from Atlanta so he could form his own family group, Zoo Atlanta said earlier in the year. "Hopefully once the group is introduced and living happily together he can sire babies on his own," she said. "This is the perfect time to introduce this handsome young man to the rest of the group."Ĭelli said she expects to see some aggression from Jasiri as he establishes himself as the boss. "It is quite unusual for females to be alone together," Celli said, adding that it was hard at times but the troupe is now doing very well. The troupe has been without a male gorilla since 37-year-old Kakinga died in 2016. The male will be slowly introduced to his new surroundings and his five female troupe mates, the zoo says.