A group of gorillas is called a band or troop and is sometimes referred to as a family. Gorillas usually move in groups of about 5 to 30 individuals. These groups are mostly made up of one adult male (called a silverback) who leads the group, along with several females, blackback males, juveniles, and infants.
Gorillas often stay in their birth families until they are ready to start their own families.
In many cases, young male gorillas will challenge the silverback for control of the group when they grow up. If they lose or choose not to fight, they may leave the group to form their own. Some males live alone for a while and may try to fight other groups to attract members.
If a group has only one silverback and several females, and the silverback dies, the females will leave the group. They may join other lone males or other groups. Sometimes, the females will stay in the same group for a short time until a new male takes control.
Most blackback males leave their birth groups because they don’t have a chance to breed. Only the dominant silverback can mate with the females in the group. When a female has her first baby in a group, she usually stays in that group permanently.
Mother gorillas stay very close to their babies until the young ones are about six years old. Female gorillas that give birth first in a group often get more care and protection from the silverback, especially for their first babies.
Silverbacks always try to grow their families. This is why fights can happen when two gorilla groups meet. The silverback may feel that the other group wants to take his females, which can lead to serious fights. These fights sometimes cause deep wounds or even death.
Mountain gorilla groups can only be visited in three countries in the world: Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks in Uganda.
