Genus and species:
Gorilla gorilla

Collective Term:
A band of gorillas

Gorillas are strong, unpolished individuals with a gruff exterior that conceals their soft and chewy center. They are capable, happy-go-lucky individuals with a disarming naiveté. Maybe a little hairy with a tattoo or two too, they are unpretentious and engaging creatures who brighten everyone's day with their enthusiastically warm greetings.

Even with the gorilla's warmly gruff exterior there remains an underlying sense of menace that percolates throughout its personality. Though it is built for physical confrontation, it's difficult to imagine a gorilla actually inflicting bodily harm. However, when the gorilla or its family is threatened, the transgressor quickly realizes their mistake. Its body hair standing on end and large frame at full height, the gorilla will never back down from a fight. In a child-custody battle it's better to negotiate an up-front peace with a gorilla rather than endure a prolonged and bloody battle.

As a primate, the gorilla possesses considerable brainpower, although unlike its cousin the baboon, has no desire to waste its days deep in thought. Instead, life is spent in quiet enjoyment of play and family interactions.

Gorillas are capable of forming long-lasting, monogamous relationships and enjoy the peace and comfort provided by large families and close groups of friends. Considered to be attentive mates, they make an effort to provide a secure and comfortable nest. Not being overly ambitious, they have a tendency to rest on their laurels.

Smaller animal personalities are attracted to their embracing persona and they form lasting bonds with submissive mice and cottontails. Warm and kind to these 'pets', they dominate the relationships and control their duration. Their personalities clash with the challenging nature of owls, foxes and moles who retard their carefree spirit and it are at their best in relationships with baboons, cottontails and dogs.

Gorillas have a strong need for structure in their households, which requires a healthy system of communication throughout the family. No one could accuse a gorilla of being dispassionate on issues of friendship and loyalty, although its emotions will sometimes get in the way of common sense. All told, life with a gorilla is a series of passionate gestures and gentle reassurances.