![]() The chief Guide and park warden ensure that all participants know what to do in case of charging. This briefing covers topics like the gorilla trekking rules, members of the particular gorilla group and their character. He may be joined by other silverbacks in the group especially when there is a grave threat to the family (leopards and poachers).īefore tourists are taken into the forest to observe habituated gorilla groups, they undergo a briefing by the park Rangers and Wardens. The silverback is the one that usually charges because he is the protector of the group. A silverback only acts aggressive towards a threat to give time for other members of his family to seek safety. Before divulging more, it is important to state that 99% of gorilla charges are fake. They do so if provoked or as a form of defense if threatened. Why do gorillas charge? It is important to emphasize that gorillas rarely charge at humans. Gorillas charging during gorilla trekking It is important to note that habituated gorilla groups remain wild and may charge at tourists for one reason or another as we will see in the following chapters. Wild gorilla groups will generally move away once they spot any intruder in their midst. Most remain completely wild and very cautious when they encounter humans. Note: Not all gorilla groups are habituated. Gorilla Trekking is only possible after completion of the habituation process. It is important to gain the complete acceptance of the dominant silverback in order for other members of the group to do the same. Once that is done, the researchers focus on gaining the trust of the dominant male. They follow them gradually and consistently until the group ceases to see them as a threat. During this time, researchers and experienced trackers identify a suitable gorilla group for habituation. ![]() Gorilla habituation is a process of making wild gorillas comfortable with humans in their presence. One of the reasons why gorilla trekking is possible and so popular is because wild gorillas can be habituated. These actions show that it is ready to defend itself and his family against the particular threat (humans, other silverbacks, or leopards). A silverback will even stand upright on its rare legs and pound its chest as a show of power. Gorillas will first attempt to warn off an intruder by making loud grunts and tearing down vegetation. However, they do so only when they feel threatened or when a silverback from another group attempts to steal one of the females. Like humans or other wild animals, gorillas do get aggressive. Chimps are also more aggressive when compared to gorillas and have been known to attack humans (especially children moving alone). ![]() The dominant male chimp has less control of the group and cannot expect complete loyalty from each member of the group. Chimp communities often have more individuals but with a lot of drama. The same cannot be said of other larger apes like Chimpanzees. The females and all group members are loyal to the silverback. Differences and confrontations between individuals occur but are quickly resolved under the watchful eyes of the mighty silverback. ![]() They leave in close knit groups lead by a calm, charismatic and benevolent silverback. Whether in captivity or in the wild, Gorillas are arguably the most peaceful of the great apes. We will be answering these questions in this article but after some background information.
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