ABOUT GORILLAS | VIDEO | SIDE TRIPS
>>STOP 4: CENTRAL AFRICAN HIGHLANDS
You've arrived in Africa! On the huge continent of 53
countries, you're in Rwanda. Stepping into a clearing after a long hike that seemed to take you straight up, you encounter a huge adult male mountain gorilla with his baby at his side. As you look around, you count 17 other gorillas enjoying the sun as they eat, rest, and play.
Seeing you, the troop moves closer to the silverback, the dominant six-foot-tall male who looks like King Kong. He stares at you. At 350 pounds he is bigger, tougher, and way hairier than most football players. He's the protector of the group. The silverback makes the decisions for the troop, and he'll decide whether you can stay.
In a flash, the silverback charges toward you. If you run, he will chase you and bite the first place he can reach—most likely your rump. So you crouch down and act submissive. Deciding you're not a threat, he moves away and the troop relaxes. (So do you!) Most go back to munching on plants. You approach as close as park rules allow (about 20 feet or 6 meters). Noticing the wrinkles above their noses, you remember what your guide told you earlier: Like fingerprints, each wrinkle pattern is different and is used by wildlife researchers to identify individuals.
Biting, tackling, and wrestling, young gorillas race around. Their raspy chuckles let you know they're having fun. Running on all fours, they play games that imitate adult behavior and are an important part of learning. It's hard to tear yourself away from your new friends, but it's time to move on. The wolves are waiting.
