What Age Does Mountain Gorillas Start on Giving Birth? | Simple Wildlife Guide
What age does mountain gorillas start on giving birth? Mountain gorillas are the biggest kind of primates on Earth. These amazing animals live in the forests of central Africa, especially in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda, and in the Virunga Conservation Area. The Virunga region includes Mgahinga National Park (Uganda), Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda), and Virunga National Park (Democratic Republic of Congo).
Thanks to conservation efforts, the number of mountain gorillas is slowly rising. If this progress continues, these animals may no longer be considered endangered in the future.
Where Are Mountain Gorillas Found?
Bwindi National Park is home to more than 700 mountain gorillas, the highest number anywhere in the world. The rest live in the other national parks across the region. These gorillas are the biggest attraction for visitors to these parks. People travel from all over the world to see them, and the parks are open for gorilla trekking all year round.
Mountain gorillas share 98% of their DNA with humans, making them our close relatives. This is one of the reasons travelers are so fascinated by them.
How Does the Mountain Gorilla Population Keep Growing?
You may wonder how their population keeps growing. The answer is simple: female mountain gorillas start giving birth when they reach a certain age.
What Age Do Mountain Gorillas Start Reproducing?
Female mountain gorillas begin to have babies when they are around 10 to 12 years old.
Male gorillas become sexually mature between the ages of 12 and 15.
When a female gorilla is ready to mate, she makes the first move. She will approach a male gorilla and gently touch his back to show she’s interested. In most gorilla groups, the dominant male (known as the silverback) is the one who mates with all the females. However, there are times when other males also mate with females.
Gorilla Pregnancy and Birth
Once pregnant, a female gorilla carries her baby for about 8.5 months—nearly the same as humans. They usually give birth to one baby at a time, though very rarely they can have twins.
It’s not easy to tell when a gorilla is pregnant. Their stomachs are already large because they eat a lot during the day, so pregnancy doesn’t show in a noticeable way.
At birth, a baby gorilla is smaller than a human newborn, but by the time it reaches 12 years old, it will weigh more than the average adult human.
How Often Do Mountain Gorillas Give Birth?
Female gorillas usually give birth once every four years. Over their entire life, they will likely have around four babies. After birth, they nurse the infant for up to four years. Even after they stop breastfeeding, mother gorillas stay close to their young, teaching them how to build nests and find food in the forest.
Where Can You See Mountain Gorillas in the Wild?
If you want to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, you can visit:
Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park
Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park
Democratic Republic of Congo: Virunga National Park
Each of these national parks protects a group of mountain gorillas. Among them, Bwindi has the highest number of gorillas.
Are You Likely to See Gorillas?
Yes, you have a 98% chance of seeing gorillas if you go gorilla trekking in any of these parks. However, each destination has different benefits:
Virunga (Congo): The cheapest place to see gorillas, but it can be risky due to insecurity in the region.
Uganda: More affordable than Rwanda and offers a wide range of experiences.
Rwanda: A luxury destination, and although it’s the most expensive, the trekking is easier due to shorter hikes.
How to See Mountain Gorillas: Step-by-Step Guide
Seeing mountain gorillas is easier than you might think. Here’s how it works:
Pick your destination – Uganda, Rwanda, or DR Congo.
Contact a local tour operator – They will help you get a gorilla trekking permit and arrange your safari.
Get your gorilla permit – This is required for anyone who wants to trek gorillas.
What Happens on Gorilla Trekking Day?
Once you’re at the park:
Wake up early and go to the briefing center.
Park guides will brief you on the rules and safety instructions.
You’ll be put into a group of no more than 8 people.
You’ll be led by armed ranger guides into the forest to start your trek.
The trek can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 7 hours depending on where the gorillas are that day.
Along the way, you may see other animals, monkeys, and colorful birds.
Once you find the gorilla group, you get one hour to observe them, take photos, and watch their behavior.
Cost of Gorilla Permits in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo
Here are the current prices for gorilla trekking permits:
DR Congo:
$450 during the dry season
$200 in the low season
Rwanda:
$1500 for foreign non-residents
$600 for foreign residents
Uganda:
$700 for foreign non-residents
$600 for foreign residents
UGX 250,000 for East African citizens
Gorilla permits often sell out, especially in the dry season. So it’s best to book early if you want to secure your trekking experience.
Final Thoughts
Mountain gorillas are incredible animals that are not only close to humans in genetics but also in behavior. They live in a few special places in Africa and are carefully protected. Female mountain gorillas start giving birth between ages 10 and 12, and only have a few babies in their lifetime. With efforts from conservation programs and eco-tourism, their numbers are slowly growing.
Seeing them in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you choose Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo, the key steps are simple: choose your park, get your permit, and prepare for a hike through stunning rainforest to meet one of nature’s closest relatives.
