Silverback gorillas, which are mature adult male gorillas, typically stand about 5.5 to 6 feet (1.7 to 1.8 meters) tall when standing upright. Their height can vary somewhat, with some sources citing around 5 to 6 feet as common. They are massive and strong primates, weighing between 300 to 485 pounds (136 to 220 kilograms) on average, with some variation depending on age, diet, and environment. Despite their similar height range to humans, silverbacks are much more muscular and powerful.
Height Details
- Average height for a fully grown silverback: approximately 5.5 to 6 feet (1.7 to 1.8 meters) tall when standing upright.
- Some sources indicate heights near 5 feet (1.5 meters) for certain adult males but 5.5 to 6 feet is a typical range.
- Silverbacks are quadrupedal most of the time, so standing height is an occasional measurement.
Physical Characteristics
- Weight range: approximately 300 to 485 pounds (136 to 220 kg).
- Noted for a silver-gray patch of hair on their backs that develops around 12 to 14 years of age.
- They are much more muscular and stronger than humans of similar height, capable of extraordinary feats of strength.
These characteristics make the silverback gorilla one of the largest and strongest primates alive today.
