Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Monkeys
What Makes Them Special?
When we look at gorillas, chimpanzees, and monkeys, they might all seem similar — but each one is unique in its own amazing way! They all belong to a group called primates, which means they are smart, social, and great at climbing. Let’s explore what makes each of them special!
Gorillas: The Gentle Giants
Gorillas are the largest primates on Earth. Their strong bodies help them move through forests, but they are actually very gentle and calm. They live in families called troops, led by a powerful male called a silverback. Gorillas eat mostly leaves, fruits, and shoots — they are vegetarians! Even though they look tough, gorillas are shy and prefer to stay away from danger. A male gorilla can weigh up to 180 kg, while females are smaller. They have big, strong arms to walk on their knuckles. They have No tails — just like humans! They talk to each other using grunts, chest beats, hoots, and gestures! Baby gorillas are playful and cling to their mothers for the first few years.
Chimpanzees: The Smart Problem-Solvers
Chimpanzees are our closest relatives — humans share about 98% of their DNA with chimps! They are extremely smart, can learn new skills, and even use tools. Chimps communicate using sounds, gestures, and facial expressions. They eat fruits, leaves, insects, and sometimes even small animals. Chimps love to play, explore, and solve problems — just like curious kids! They have no tails, just like gorillas and humans. They use tools such as sticks to catch termites or stones to crack nuts. Chimps live in large family groups called communities.
Monkeys: The Playful Jumpers of the Jungle
Monkeys are known for being curious, active, and playful. Many monkeys have long tails that help them balance or even grab things — like an extra hand! They love to jump from tree to tree. Some monkeys even use tools, like stones, to crack open nuts. They come in many sizes — from tiny pygmy marmosets to big baboons. The pygmy marmoset is the smallest monkey — only 12–15 cm long! Monkeys live in groups called troops, where they groom each other and communicate with squeaks and chatter.