Gorilla sterling silver bead charm .925 Gorila Gorillas Apes charms

This a fantastic sterling silver Gorilla charm on a sterling silver bead fitting. Gorillas are the largest primates on earth. They belong to the great ape family with chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans and humans. They share around 98% of our DNA, which is why so much of their behaviour seems familiar. They live in the forests of central Africa and are split into two species, the eastern gorilla and the western gorilla. Both are classed as critically endangered. Conservation work has helped mountain gorilla numbers slowly recover. Gorillas live in close family groups called troops. Each troop is led by a dominant adult male called a silverback, named after the band of silver hair that grows across his back as he matures. A silverback can weigh more than twice as much as an adult human. He protects his family, settles disputes and decides where the troop travels and feeds each day. They’re powerful animals but mostly gentle, peaceful vegetarians. They eat leaves, stems, shoots and fruit, and a large male can get through a huge amount of vegetation in a day. Every evening each gorilla builds a fresh nest of leaves and branches to sleep in. The famous chest-beat is usually a way to communicate rather than a sign of aggression. It can carry through the forest for long distances. Gorillas also use a wide range of grunts, barks and body language. Some have even learned sign language in captivity. Like all great apes, gorillas are highly intelligent. They use simple tools, remember complex social relationships and show emotions such as grief, playfulness and affection. In the wild they can live for around 35 to 40 years.