How did the gorillas get the name silverback?
Once male gorillas have fully grown out of their juvenile stage, they develop silver-gray saddles across their backs and upper thighs, eventually earning them the name silverback.
Where do gorillas live in the wild?
All gorillas come from Africa. The species that are in zoos are western lowland gorillas. Their populations in the wild are found in Cameroon, Gabon, Central African Republic, Congo, and Democratic Republic of Congo.
What is the lifespan of a gorilla?
Gorillas live an average lifespan of about 35 years in the wild, but in managed care like Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay they may live up to 50 years.
Are orangutans endangered?
Yes, Bornean and Sumatran orangutans are endangered due to habitat loss and human encroachment. You can help conserve the wild regions that orangutans home by limiting or eliminating use of palm oil products.
How much of their day do orangutans spend resting?
Orangutans rest about 40 percent of the day and spend the other part of the day foraging, or searching for fruit, leaves, flowers, bark and insects.
How big are orangutans?
The long-haired primates are the world’s largest arboreal (tree-dwelling) mammals, weighing up to 200 pounds.
What purpose does a lemur’s thick, bushy tail serve?
When a lemur feels threatened, it uses its thick, bushy tail to serve as a visual signal. A lemur’s tail also serves as a balancing mechanism for when it leaps through the trees.
How does a female lemur carry her newborn baby?
Until the newborn is able to cling to the fur on her mother’s stomach or back, the female lemur carries her baby in her mouth.
Do lemurs have opposable thumbs?
Yes. All animals that belong to the order of primates have opposable digits.
What is the average life span of a lemur?
The average life span of a lemur is 18 years or older, but in managed care like at Busch Gardens, they can live up to 25 years or more.