Gorillas were the largest of the living Apes, with males standing nearly six feet (1.8 m) tall and weighing up to 400 pounds (180 kg), and females slightly smaller. They had broad chests, muscular arms, and faces marked by pronounced brows and wide nostrils. Their fur was thick and dark, often silvering along the backs of mature males, which earned them the title of silverbacks. Gorillas were patient and observant, often showing curiosity about new objects in their environment and using simple tools in rare instances to aid in feeding.
They lived in small family groups led by a dominant silverback, whose strength and experience maintained order and defended the troop from threats. Communication within the group relied on gestures, vocalizations, and facial expressions, and young gorillas learned behavior by watching older members. Gorillas were primarily terrestrial, though capable climbers, and moved with an ambling gait. Their diet consisted mainly of leaves, stems, fruits, and occasionally insects. They foraged quietly, using their dexterous hands to strip vegetation or break apart fruit.
Despite their size and strength, gorillas faced predators, disease, and habitat loss. Encounters with Mortalkind could be dangerous, yet they often avoided conflict unless threatened. Many scholars observed gorillas to understand the social structure, cooperation, and the subtle intelligence of primates, highlighting the delicate balance of life in their forested homes.