Gorillas have tremendous strength and can reach speeds of 20 to 25 mph (32 to 40 km/h) in short bursts, thanks to their fast-twitch muscle fibers designed for explosive power rather than endurance
. However, they tire relatively quickly because they are not endurance athletes like humans. Their stamina is limited, and they cannot sustain high- intensity activity for long periods
. Experts note that while gorillas can overpower several individuals in short encounters, their endurance is poor compared to humans, who have evolved for long-distance stamina. This means a gorilla would likely get tired fairly quickly during prolonged exertion or repeated confrontations
. For example, in hypothetical scenarios where a gorilla faces multiple opponents over time, it would become fatigued after intense bursts of activity, giving humans an advantage in endurance
. In summary:
- Gorillas excel in short, powerful bursts but have poor endurance.
- They get tired quickly relative to humans, especially during prolonged activity.
- Their stamina disadvantage means they cannot maintain peak performance for long periods
Thus, gorillas get tired fairly fast once their initial burst of strength and speed is expended.
