Archive · 24 Sep 2025
World Gorilla Day Spotlights Threats to Great Apes
World Gorilla Day, celebrated on September 24th, honors gorillas, our close relatives who share up to 98% of our DNA.
These great apes, like mountain gorillas, live in Africa and face threats like habitat loss.
They live in families led by a dominant male silverback.
Tourists and researchers must be careful not to get too close, as gorillas can catch human illnesses.
Conservation efforts are underway, like in Uganda, but protecting their environment is key for gorillas to thrive.
These gentle giants, weighing up to 396 pounds, are herbivores, eating plants and sometimes insects, and can live for over 40 years.
World Gorilla Day is observed annually on September 24th.
Gorillas share up to 98% of their DNA with humans.
Gorillas face threats from habitat loss and are listed as endangered.
Gorillas live in family groups led by a silverback.
Tourism in areas like Uganda supports conservation efforts.
- Who
- Gorillas and conservationists.
- What
- World Gorilla Day is observed annually to raise awareness.
- When
- September 24th
- Where
- Primarily in Africa, focusing on areas like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and the Virunga Massif.
- Why
- To raise awareness of gorilla conservation and celebrate the species.
- Observed on
- September 24
- Gorilla Species
- Eastern and Western
- Habitat Loss
- Primary threat
- Gorilla DNA Similarity to Humans
- Up to 98%
- Gorilla Diet
- Leaves, shoots, stems of plants