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Is a Gorilla Good for a Pet

Is a Gorilla Good for a Pet? Everything You Need to Know

Gorillas are fascinating creatures, known for their intelligence, strength, and close genetic relationship to humans. But is a gorilla good for a pet? While some people might be intrigued by the idea of owning a gorilla, the reality is that these primates are wild animals and not suitable as pets. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about keeping a gorilla as a pet, including the legal, ethical, and practical challenges.

Why People Might Want a Gorilla as a Pet

Some people are drawn to the idea of having a gorilla as a pet due to their human-like qualities. Gorillas can express emotions, learn sign language, and form strong bonds. However, despite these traits, keeping a gorilla at home is not practical, ethical, or safe.

Are Gorillas Legal to Own as Pets?

One of the biggest obstacles to owning a gorilla is legality. In most countries, including the United States, UK, and Canada, it is illegal to own a gorilla without a special permit. Gorillas are classified as endangered species, and their trade is strictly controlled by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

Countries Where It’s Illegal to Own a Gorilla

  • USA – Protected under the Endangered Species Act
  • UK – Illegal under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act
  • Canada – Prohibited by provincial wildlife laws
  • European Union – Restricted under wildlife protection laws

In some rare cases, zoos and research facilities may be granted permits to keep gorillas, but private ownership is not allowed.

Challenges of Keeping a Gorilla as a Pet

Even if owning a gorilla were legal, there are numerous challenges that make them unsuitable as pets.

1. Gorillas Are Extremely Strong

Gorillas are 10 times stronger than an average human. A full-grown male silverback gorilla can weigh up to 400 pounds and exert a bite force of 1,300 PSI—stronger than a lion. Even a playful gorilla could seriously injure a human.

2. Gorillas Need a Specific Diet

In the wild, gorillas eat a plant-based diet, consuming:

  • Fruits
  • Leaves
  • Shoots
  • Bark
  • Occasionally small insects

Providing the right gorilla diet in captivity would be expensive and difficult. A gorilla consumes 30–40 pounds of food daily, making feeding costs unsustainable for an average pet owner.

3. Gorillas Require Large Habitats

In the wild, gorillas roam over large areas in dense forests. Keeping a gorilla in a home or even a large backyard would be inhumane. They need:

  • Acres of space
  • Trees for climbing
  • Social interaction with other gorillas

Keeping a gorilla in a confined space could lead to mental distress and aggression.

4. Gorillas Have Complex Social Needs

Gorillas are highly social animals, living in troops led by a dominant silverback. A single gorilla kept alone would experience extreme loneliness and depression. Unlike dogs or cats, gorillas cannot thrive in isolation.

5. Gorillas Can Carry Diseases

Gorillas share 98.3% of their DNA with humans, which means they can transmit and contract similar diseases, including:

  • Tuberculosis
  • Herpes viruses
  • Ebola
  • Respiratory infections

This makes keeping a gorilla as a pet a serious health risk.

Is a Gorilla Good for a Pet

The Ethical Concerns of Keeping a Gorilla as a Pet

Taking a gorilla from the wild or breeding them in captivity for pet ownership is unethical. Gorillas are endangered, with only about 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the wild. The illegal pet trade often involves:

 

  • Killing adult gorillas to capture infants
  • Smuggling gorillas under inhumane conditions
  • Depriving gorillas of their natural lifestyle

Conservation organizations, such as the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), strongly oppose keeping gorillas as pets.

Alternatives to Keeping a Gorilla as a Pet

If you love gorillas and want to interact with them, consider these ethical alternatives:

1. Visit a Gorilla Sanctuary

Instead of trying to own a gorilla, visit gorilla sanctuaries and national parks, such as:

These places offer gorilla trekking experiences, allowing you to observe them in their natural habitat.

2. Support Gorilla Conservation

Donate to or volunteer with organizations like:

  • The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
  • Gorilla Doctors
  • The Jane Goodall Institute

3. Adopt a Gorilla Symbolically

Some conservation groups allow you to “adopt” a gorilla by funding its protection. This helps support anti-poaching efforts and habitat conservation.

Conclusion: Is a Gorilla Good for a Pet?

No, a gorilla is not a good pet. While they are intelligent and share similarities with humans, they are wild animals that belong in the wild. Keeping a gorilla as a pet is illegal, dangerous, expensive, and unethical.

Instead of trying to own a gorilla, consider visiting a sanctuary or supporting conservation efforts. By doing so, you can appreciate these incredible primates while ensuring their survival for future generations.

Would you like to learn more about where to see gorillas in the wild? Let us know in the comments.