As you learn about mountain gorilla reproduction and mating habits in preparation for your gorilla trekking safari, you should know that female mountain gorillas reach sexual maturity earlier than male gorillas. They mature between the ages of 10 and 12 years, while males mature between 11 and 13 years.
Even though females may have their first ovulation as early as 8 years old, they usually do not breed until they are at least 10 years old.
Female mountain gorillas usually give birth to one baby at a time, although sometimes they may have twins. Their reproductive cycle is between 28 and 33 days. After their first ovulation, a female gorilla typically waits about two years before she can have a baby.
Gorillas are polygamous animals, and the dominant silverback male can mate with all the females in the group. When a female is ready to mate, she approaches the male, although there are no visible signs that she is on heat.
Female gorillas are only on heat for one to two days each month. To attract the silverback, they may make body movements, maintain eye contact, or pucker their lips. If the male doesn’t respond, they may go closer, touch him, or even hit the ground to get his attention.
Gorillas can mate at any time of the year. Their gestation period is about 8.5 months, just like humans, and they usually give birth at night.
After giving birth, a female gorilla takes four years or more before she can conceive again. This is why gorillas have a low birth rate.
Baby gorillas are born weighing between 2 and 3 kilograms. They are very weak at birth, like human babies. The mother carries the infant and takes care of it closely.
By three months, the baby can sit up, and by six months, it can walk. However, it often still clings to its mother’s back most of the time.
