Gorillas exhibit adaptability in their nature and behavior. Consequently, the information included above serves merely as a broad guideline.

Gorillas inhabit groups, or troops, ranging from two to over thirty individuals. Data suggests that western lowland gorillas inhabit smaller groups, averaging approximately five individuals. Groups typically consist of a silverback male, one or more blackback males, many adult females, and their newborn and juvenile progeny. The makeup of this group fluctuates significantly due to births, deaths, and the immigration and emigration of persons.

Adult progeny generally depart from their natal group to seek a partner. At approximately eight years of age, females typically migrate to a new group of their preference. They appear to select a silverback to associate with based on qualities such as size and quality of his territory. A female may alter family groups multiple times during her lifetime. Upon departing from their natal group, certain sexually mature males may endeavor to usurp the silverback in a pre-existing group. Nonetheless, they typically remain single males for several years. Nonetheless, a new flock can be readily established when one or more unrelated females associate with a solitary male.

A dominant adult silverback male leads the group. He possesses exclusive breeding rights to the females; but, he may occasionally permit other sub-adult males within the group to mate with them. The silverback resolves conflicts and establishes the group’s territory. He governs their wake-up, meal, and sleep times.

All gorillas above three years of age construct both diurnal nests for resting and nocturnal nests for sleeping. Infants inhabit their mothers’ nests. Gorillas construct nests by remaining stationary and manipulating branches, leaves, or other vegetation to encircle themselves. Adult males typically establish nests on the ground. Females may establish nests on the ground or in arboreal locations. Juveniles are more inclined to nest in arboreal environments. Research on western lowland gorillas indicates that the quantity of nests located at a site does not necessarily align with the amount of weaned individuals present in a group.

The western lowland gorilla is a tranquil, docile, and non-hostile species. It will not initiate an attack unless provoked. Nonetheless, males engage in competition for females, and a new leader of a group may eliminate unrelated children. This prompts the females to initiate their cycle earlier. An adult male safeguarding his group may seek to terrify his adversary by raising on his legs and striking his chest with cupped or flat fists while emitting roars and screams.

Should this intricate display fail and the intruder continues, the male may aggressively tilt his head back multiple times. He may also descend to all fours and rush toward the intruder. Typically, during a charge, they do not strike the invader. Instead, they simply disregard them. This exhibition of hostility preserves order among distinct units and diminishes the likelihood of harm. Size is believed to significantly influence the outcome of male encounters, with the larger guy prevailing.

Gorillas demonstrate intricate and evolving interactions. They engage in grooming behaviors, albeit to a lesser extent than most other primates. Affiliation can also be demonstrated through physical proximity. Juvenile gorillas frequently engage in play and exhibit greater arboreal tendencies than their larger counterparts. Adults, like the silverback, exhibit tolerance towards juvenile play activity. He also endures and frequently engages in the activities of older juveniles and black-backed males. Due to the variety among gorillas, certain behaviors may or may not be observed.