The gorilla lives in groups called troops and spends most of its time on the ground, although juveniles may by seen playing in trees. Each troop, from 7-20 gorillas, is led by a silverback male who protects and keeps the group together. Gorillas are typically quiet and gentle. Males will beat their chests as part of a ritual that sometimes includes hooting and thumping on the ground. This behavior is not clearly understood but seems to reflect excitement.
Grooming is done to reinforce dominance and submission within the gorilla troop.
Fun Facts 1. The intimidating chest-beating charge of a male gorilla is usually a bluff to scare off intruders while the rest of his band disappears into the forest. Wild gorillas are difficult to study because they are shy, secretive inhabitants of densely vegetated tropical forests. The huge silverback is a tolerant father who baby sits for his offspring so the females can forage without the hindrance of playful young. Gorillas, along with chimps and native people, actively search for termites and ants for food.