Want to learn whether gorillas like humans? Gorillas have a unique genetic code that is very close to humans, with a DNA match of 98.67%. They live in family groups that stay together for life, usually led by a male silverback.
Even though they share many similarities with humans, gorillas prefer to be left alone in their natural homes, especially if they feel that people are a danger to them.
It is hard to know if gorillas actually like humans, since they are wild animals.
Gorillas can get used to being around people through a process called habituation. This allows people to observe them in their natural setting without causing stress.
Gorilla habituation is done by rangers and researchers who visit the same gorilla family every day for about 2 to 3 years. This helps the gorillas become used to people.
After completing the habituation process, a gorilla family can then be visited by tourists for trekking.
In the wild, mountain gorillas do not usually like to be near people unless they have been through habituation. Even then, it is not accurate to say they like humans — they simply feel comfortable with human presence.
Before they are habituated, gorillas may feel scared or threatened and may even charge at people.
However, there are some special cases, like the Senkwekwe gorilla orphanage in Virunga National Park in Congo. Here, the gorillas are so used to their caretakers that they play and interact with them.
This orphanage was set up to look after baby gorillas that lost their families due to poaching.
The way these gorillas behave with their caretakers shows that they can feel safe and close to certain people.
Still, it is important to remember that gorillas are wild animals, and their behavior can change at any time.
