How old are gorillas when they walk?

Gorillas, the magnificent primates that share around 98% of their DNA with humans, are fascinating creatures known for their intelligence, strength, and unique behaviors. One of the most intriguing aspects of gorilla development is how they move and when they begin to walk.

Understanding when and how gorillas begin to walk provides insight into their biology, development, and evolutionary similarities with humans. In this article, we will explore the stages of gorilla development, how they begin to walk, and what factors influence their walking abilities.

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Gorilla Development: Early Stages of Life

Gorillas, like humans, go through various stages of growth before reaching adulthood. Their journey from infancy to maturity is filled with unique milestones. The first few years of a gorilla’s life are spent primarily in the care of its mother, who provides food, protection, and comfort. The developmental stages of a gorilla’s life are very similar to those of humans, and understanding the early years is key to answering the question: How old are gorillas when they walk?

Newborn Stage

At birth, a baby gorilla, also known as an infant, is fully dependent on its mother. These newborn gorillas are tiny, weighing around 4 to 5 pounds. They are born with their eyes closed and begin developing their senses over the first few days. During this time, the infant is primarily carried by the mother. Baby gorillas are not able to walk at birth and remain cradled in their mother’s arms or cling to her body for security.

During this early stage, their primary activities involve suckling and bonding with their mother. These first few months are crucial for the infant’s survival, as they are learning about their environment and developing the necessary strength to eventually walk.

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The Development of Movement: When Do Gorillas Start to Walk?

As the baby gorilla grows, it starts to develop motor skills that allow it to become more mobile. However, unlike humans, gorillas do not begin walking on two legs right away. Gorillas are quadrupedal by nature, meaning they move using all four limbs. The developmental process leading up to walking on all fours is gradual.

The Crawling Stage: 3-4 Months Old

At around three to four months, gorilla infants start to crawl. This is an important milestone, as crawling helps strengthen the baby’s muscles and prepares them for future movement. During this time, the baby gorilla may begin to explore its surroundings by scooting along on its stomach or using its arms and legs to move around on all fours.

While not walking yet, crawling is a vital part of the development process. Crawling builds muscle strength and coordination, which will eventually lead to standing and walking. The infant still relies heavily on its mother for protection, but it’s also becoming more independent and curious about the world around it.

The Standing and Pre-Walking Stage: 6-8 Months Old

At around six to eight months, a baby gorilla starts to show signs of standing up with the help of support. They might pull themselves up onto their mother or a tree branch and stand for short periods. This stage is characterized by an increase in muscle strength in the legs and the ability to balance on two feet with some assistance.

During this stage, gorillas may try standing up without assistance, but they are still shaky and unable to walk. Their development at this point is focused on balance and strengthening their core muscles, which are essential for supporting their weight when they start walking.

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The Walking Stage: 9-12 Months Old

By nine to twelve months of age, most gorilla infants begin to walk with some assistance from their mother. Although they are still not fully walking independently, they are learning the fundamental movements that will eventually allow them to walk without help. At this stage, the infant will likely continue to crawl as their primary mode of movement but will begin to take tentative steps using all fours.

As the baby gorilla develops further, it starts to mimic the behaviors of adult gorillas. They learn to use their knuckles for support while walking—an adaptation known as “knuckle-walking.” This method of walking on all fours, using the knuckles rather than the palms, is characteristic of gorillas and other great apes like chimpanzees and orangutans. It allows for greater stability and is better suited for their large, heavy bodies.

Full Walking and Independence: 12-18 Months Old

By the time a gorilla reaches 12 to 18 months, it can usually walk independently, although it may still prefer to crawl or use a combination of crawling and walking. At this stage, the infant is fully mobile and capable of moving around with increasing independence. They still spend a lot of time close to their mother, but their walking abilities continue to improve as they explore their environment.

It’s important to note that gorillas are not bipedal like humans. While they are capable of walking on two legs for short distances (primarily for reaching food or looking around), they usually rely on walking on all fours. This knuckle-walking technique is not only a developmental milestone but also an evolutionary trait that allows gorillas to move efficiently in their dense forest habitats.

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Factors That Affect When Gorillas Start Walking

While 9 to 12 months is typical for gorillas to begin walking, there can be variations in this timeline depending on individual circumstances. The following factors can influence how quickly a gorilla begins to walk:

1. Genetics and Species

There are two main species of gorillas: the Western Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) and the Eastern Gorilla (Gorilla beringei). Both species have similar developmental timelines, but subtle differences in genetics and environment may slightly affect when they begin to walk.

2. Environmental Factors

The environment in which a gorilla is raised can influence its walking timeline. In the wild, gorillas face different challenges compared to those raised in captivity. Wild gorillas may have to travel farther for food and are generally more active from an early age, which could accelerate their development.

3. Maternal Care and Support

The mother’s care and protection play a significant role in the development of the infant gorilla. A strong bond with the mother and her guidance during the early stages of life can positively impact the infant’s physical development. Additionally, if a gorilla is raised in a zoo or sanctuary with more frequent interactions with caregivers, it may develop certain motor skills earlier than in the wild.

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Gorillas’ Walking Style: Knuckle-Walking

Gorillas and other great apes are quadrupeds, meaning they walk on all fours. However, unlike many animals that walk on their palms or feet, gorillas use their knuckles to support their weight. This unique form of movement, known as knuckle-walking, is more efficient for their large bodies. The knuckles bear much of the weight, making it easier for gorillas to move through their forested habitats.

Bipedalism in Gorillas

Though gorillas are primarily quadrupeds, they are capable of walking on two legs for short periods. This bipedal movement is typically seen when a gorilla needs to reach for food or look around for threats. However, walking on two legs is not as efficient for gorillas as it is for humans due to their body structure.

When Do Gorillas Start Walking?

Gorillas typically start walking around 9 to 12 months of age, though they may begin to stand with assistance as early as six months. By the time they are 12 to 18 months old, gorillas are fully mobile and capable of knuckle-walking. This process of development is an essential milestone in a gorilla’s life, helping them move, explore, and learn essential survival skills.

While the timeline for walking may vary slightly based on individual factors like genetics, environment, and maternal care, the overall developmental stages of gorillas follow a similar pattern. By understanding when and how gorillas start walking, we gain insight into their fascinating behavior and development, and we appreciate even more the complexity of these incredible creatures.