10 Gorilla Facts So Incredible That They Sound Fake

When most people think of gorillas, they imagine massive, chest-beating giants lurking deep in misty jungles. While gorillas are powerful and impressive, the truth about them is far more fascinating than fiction. In fact, many real gorilla behaviours and abilities sound so unbelievable that they could easily be mistaken for myths or movie exaggerations.

10 Gorilla Facts So Incredible That They Sound Fake

In this in-depth article, we explore 10 gorilla facts so incredible that they sound fake, yet are 100% backed by science, field research, and decades of observation. By the end, you will see gorillas not just as strong animals but as emotional, intelligent, and surprisingly gentle beings that share more with humans than you might expect.

Whether you are an animal lover, wildlife enthusiast, student, or content creator, these gorilla facts will leave you amazed.

Fact #1: Gorillas Share Up to 98% of Their DNA with Humans

Yes, you read that right and no, it is not an exaggeration.

One of the most mind-blowing entries on our list of 10 gorilla facts so incredible that they sound fake is how genetically similar gorillas are to humans. Gorillas share approximately 98% of their DNA with us, making them one of our closest living relatives, alongside chimpanzees and bonobos.

What Does This Mean?

• Gorillas can experience emotions like grief, joy, fear, and empathy
• They use complex social structures
• They are capable of problem-solving and learning

This genetic closeness explains why gorillas display such human-like behaviours from nurturing their young to mourning their dead.

Fact #2: Gorillas Can Learn and Use Human Sign Language

If someone told you a gorilla could communicate using sign language, you might assume it was a hoax. But this is one of the most famous and well-documented gorilla facts ever recorded.

The Story of Koko the Gorilla

Koko, a western lowland gorilla, learned over 1,000 signs in American Sign Language (ASL) and understood more than 2,000 spoken English words.

She:

• Expressed emotions like sadness and love
• Made jokes
• Asked existential questions
• Grieved the loss of loved ones

This alone secures its place among the 10 gorilla facts so incredible that they sound fake, yet it is completely true.

Fact #3: Despite Their Size, Gorillas Are Mostly Gentle Vegetarians

Gorillas look intimidating. Adult silverbacks can weigh over 400 pounds (180 kg) and stand nearly 6 feet tall. Naturally, many people assume they are fierce carnivores.

The truth? Gorillas are primarily herbivores.

A Typical Gorilla Diet Includes:

• Leaves
• Stems
• Bamboo shoots
• Fruit
• Bark

Occasionally, they may eat insects like ants or termites but meat is not a regular part of their diet.

This gentle dietary choice is another reason this makes our list of 10 gorilla facts so incredible that they sound fake.

Fact #4: Gorillas Have Individual Fingerprints Just Like Humans

Here is a fact that sounds like pure fiction: no two gorillas have the same fingerprints.

Just like humans, every gorilla has a unique fingerprint pattern. Researchers even use fingerprints to identify individual gorillas in the wild.

Why This Matters:

• Helps track populations
• Assists conservation efforts
• Further proves how closely related gorillas are to humans

It is another subtle but powerful reminder of our shared evolutionary path.

Fact #5: Silverback Gorillas Can Lift Over 1,800 Pounds

Now let us talk strength.

One of the most jaw-dropping gorilla facts so incredible that they sound fake is their raw physical power.

A fully grown silverback gorilla can lift or throw up to 1,800 pounds (815 kg) nearly 10 times stronger than an average human male.

Where Does This Strength Come From?

• Dense muscle fibers
• Short, powerful limbs
• Evolutionary adaptation for survival

Yet despite this strength, gorillas almost never use it aggressively unless protecting their family.

Fact #6: Gorillas Grieve and Mourn Their Dead

This is one of the most emotionally powerful facts on our list.

Gorillas do not just notice death, they understand it.

When a gorilla dies:

• Group members may sit quietly near the body
• Mothers have been seen carrying deceased infants for days
• Eating and movement slow down
• Vocalizations change

These mourning behaviours are remarkably similar to human grief, making this one of the most touching 10 gorilla facts so incredible that they sound fake.

Fact #7: Baby Gorillas Laugh When Tickled

Yes, gorillas laugh.

Young gorillas make distinct vocalizations during play that closely resemble human laughter. Scientists have recorded these sounds and confirmed they serve the same social bonding function as laughter in humans.

Why This Is Important:

• Shows emotional intelligence
• Reinforces social bonds
• Indicates shared evolutionary roots

If you have ever doubted animals, feel joy, this fact will change your mind.

Fact #8: Gorillas Build a New Bed Every Single Night

Here is one of the lesser-known but fascinating gorilla facts.

Every night, gorillas:

• Build a brand-new nest
• Use leaves, branches, and vegetation
• Never reuse the same bed twice

This behaviour helps avoid parasites, insects, and predators.

Juvenile gorillas learn this skill by watching adults, proving gorillas are not just strong, but skilled engineers of their environment.

Fact #9: There Are Only Around 1,000 Mountain Gorillas Left in the Wild

Among the most sobering entries in our 10 gorilla facts so incredible that they sound fake is this one.

Despite their strength and intelligence, gorillas are critically endangered.

Major Threats Include:

• Habitat destruction
• Poaching
• Disease (including human-transmitted illnesses)
• Climate change

Thanks to conservation efforts, mountain gorilla numbers are slowly increasing but their survival is still fragile.

Fact #10: Gorillas Can Recognize Themselves in Mirrors

Self-recognition is considered a high-level cognitive ability.

Gorillas have passed the mirror test, meaning they understand that their reflection represents themselves not another animal.

This ability is shared by only a few species:

• Humans
• Great apes
• Dolphins
• Elephants

This final fact perfectly concludes our list of 10 gorilla facts so incredible that they sound fake, reinforcing just how advanced these animals truly are.

Why These Gorilla Facts Matter

Understanding gorillas goes far beyond curiosity or entertainment. These facts highlight:

• Their intelligence
• Their emotional depth
• Their close relationship to humans
• The urgency of protecting them

When we realize how similar gorillas are to us, it becomes impossible to ignore our responsibility to protect them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gorillas

Are gorillas dangerous to humans?

Generally, no. Gorillas are peaceful and avoid conflict. Aggression usually only occurs when they feel threatened.

Can gorillas talk like humans?

They cannot speak verbally, but they can communicate using gestures, sounds, and sign language.

How long do gorillas live?

Gorillas live 35–40 years in the wild and longer in captivity.

Final Thoughts: The Truth Is More Incredible Than Fiction

After exploring these 10 gorilla facts so incredible that they sound fake, one thing becomes clear: gorillas are not monsters, myths, or movie cliches. They are intelligent, emotional, family-oriented beings whose lives are deeply intertwined with our own.

The more we learn about gorillas, the more responsibility we carry to ensure they continue to exist, not just in stories, but in the wild where they belong.

If this article surprised you, consider sharing it. Awareness is one of the most powerful tools in conservation.

At Maseke Adventure, we do not sell safaris, we design experiences that stay with you for a lifetime.