How Do Gorillas Behave during Communal Meals?

Gorillas are imposing animals, but there's at least one time of day when they let their guard down and enjoy themselves: supper. According to recent research, gorillas tend to sing and hum while they are dining, both to indicate their enjoyment of the food and to let other group members know that it's time to sit down and eat. Eva Luef, a primatologist at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Seewiesen, Germany, said that in the wild, only silverback males were typically seen singing during supper, probably to signal to others that the leader of the group wants everyone to relax and enjoy the food. In captivity, however, all gorillas appear to have their own songs to sing at mealtime, according to Ali Vella-Irving at Canada's Toronto Zoo. And while the songs are unique and original to every gorilla, and are composed on the spur of the moment, one thing is true for all: "If it’s their favorite food, they sing louder," Vella-Irving said.

Getting to know gorillas:

• Both species of gorilla -- the eastern and western -- live in Central Africa and are considered critically endangered.
• The largest gorillas ever documented have lived in captivity and weighed more than 683 pounds (310 kg).
• While gorillas in the wild can live 35 years on average, the oldest in captivity have lived until their early 60s.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical social structure of a gorilla group during mealtime?

Gorilla groups are led by a dominant silverback who oversees mealtime activities. This alpha male usually eats first and sets the tone for the meal. Subordinate males, females, and their offspring follow, with the silverback maintaining order and deciding when and where the group feeds. Social hierarchy plays a crucial role in the distribution of food resources among group members.

How do gorillas communicate with each other during communal meals?

During communal meals, gorillas communicate through a variety of vocalizations, body postures, and gestures. They use grunts and barks to express contentment or to signal warnings. Subtle communication like eye contact or gentle touching can also dictate the flow of the meal, ensuring a peaceful dining experience and reinforcing social bonds within the group.

Do gorillas share food with each other?

Gorillas exhibit food-sharing behavior, especially between mothers and their offspring. The dominant silverback may also share with females and juveniles, reinforcing his leadership and social bonds. However, sharing is not widespread among unrelated adult gorillas, as each individual is typically responsible for foraging their own food.

What types of food do gorillas eat during communal meals?

Gorillas are primarily herbivorous, consuming a variety of plant-based foods. Their diet includes leaves, stems, fruit, and bamboo shoots. Occasionally, they may eat small insects or larvae. The choice of food depends on availability and season, with the group moving together to different locations to find the most nutritious and abundant sources.

How do gorillas handle conflicts that arise during communal meals?

Conflicts during communal meals are generally resolved by the dominant silverback's intervention. He may display aggressive behaviors like charging or vocal threats to assert control. However, physical confrontations are rare, as gorillas prefer to maintain harmony within the group. Subordinate gorillas often submit to the silverback's authority to avoid escalation.

What role do communal meals play in the social life of gorillas?

Communal meals are central to the social life of gorillas, serving as a time for bonding and reinforcing the group's social structure. These gatherings allow for the exchange of social cues, the establishment of relationships, and the teaching of foraging skills to younger members. The shared mealtime experience strengthens group cohesion and ensures collective well-being.