Western Lowland Gorilla

The Western Lowland Gorilla is a very social creature, living in family groups called troops. These troops consist of a dominant male, who decides when the troop will eat and sleep, several adult females, and their young. Males can also live in bachelor groups, which consist only of males. An adult male will protect his group with an elaborate display of chest slapping, head rearing, and charging. The lowland gorilla is quiet, peaceful, and non-aggressive- only attacking when provoked.