Can Gorillas Be Pets? Facts About Gorillas
Contents
Gorillas are the largest of all primates, and movies like King Kong made them famous. In the wild they are usually quiet, peaceful animals, and they share about 98% of their DNA with human beings. So if gorillas are peaceful, can gorillas be pets? Let us find out!
Can gorillas be pets? No. Gorillas are not pets, and private ownership is effectively impossible. They are critically endangered, protected by wildlife laws, and only accredited zoos and sanctuaries keep them. Gorillas are social animals that need a family group, and adults are far stronger than any person.
Gorillas live in family groups. Keeping one alone with people would deprive it of the social life it needs. It is also not safe for a gorilla to live in a human house because they are big and strong.
Those are just two reasons. Let me explain the rest, so if you are ready to learn more about gorillas, let us proceed!
Why Can’t You Own A Pet Gorilla?
Gorillas are generally calm, but they are wild animals with complex social, dietary and space needs. A gorilla kept as a pet would suffer, and it could seriously injure or kill a person.
How Much Does A Gorilla Cost?
There is no legal pet market for gorillas, so there is no real "price." Gorillas are moved between accredited zoos through breeding and conservation programs, not sold to private buyers.
Caring for gorillas also takes large indoor and outdoor habitats, a specialized diet, a social group and expert veterinary care. That is why only zoos and sanctuaries keep them.
How Strong Is A Gorilla?
Gorillas are very strong animals, which is one of the reasons why gorillas are not good pets. An adult male is many times stronger than a person, though popular claims about how much a gorilla can "bench press" are not based on real measurements.
How Big Is A Gorilla?
Gorillas are the largest of the primates. Western lowland gorilla males weigh an average of about 300 pounds and up to 500 pounds, and stand up to 6 feet tall, according to the Smithsonian's National Zoo. Females are much smaller.
An animal that size cannot live safely in a house, and its housing would cost far more than most people could ever afford.
Can Gorillas Hurt You?
Yes. Gorillas can hurt you, though it is not common. Gorillas usually avoid conflict, but a silverback will defend his group if he feels threatened, and he can seriously injure a person.
A lot of people think that baby gorillas are cute. They are, but they grow into powerful adults, and young gorillas need their mothers and family group to develop normally.
Is It Illegal To Keep A Pet Gorilla?
Gorillas are protected under international wildlife trade rules (CITES) and, in the United States, the Endangered Species Act. Taking them from the wild and trading them commercially is prohibited, and there is no legal path for an ordinary person to keep one as a pet.
What Do Gorillas Eat?
Gorillas are mostly herbivores, even though they are bigger than carnivores like lions, tigers, pumas and jaguars. The National Zoo says they eat mainly the leaves and stems of herbs, shrubs and vines, plus fruit. Their diet includes:
- Stems
- Bamboos
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Insects
Are Gorillas Endangered Species?
Yes. Western gorillas are critically endangered. The National Zoo notes that disease and hunting caused a population decline of over 60% in 20 to 25 years. Habitat loss, hunting and diseases such as Ebola are the main threats.
Final Words
Gorillas are not pets, so don't think of keeping one inside your house. They are critically endangered, legally protected, dangerous as adults, and need a family group to live well. If you want to help gorillas, support accredited zoos and conservation groups that protect them in the wild.
Sources
- Western Lowland Gorilla, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
- Gorilla, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
