I recently finished a gorilla trek at Virunga National Park in Rwanda, and I was struck as I often am at the uncanny similarities between humans and gorillas.

Mountain gorillas, native to the misty forests of Central and East Africa, are not just awe-inspiring due to their size and strength. These gentle giants are so much like us in many ways, offering insight into our shared evolutionary heritage. From their genetic makeup to their social behaviors, studying mountain gorillas reveals just how closely related we are.  And visiting them on a mountain trek to their natural environment is vastly different than seeing these beautiful creatures in a zoo. Actually, they don’t survive in captivity (unlike their relatives, the eastern gorilla), there are only about 1,000 left in existence, and the only place to see them is the wild.

The most striking connection between humans and mountain gorillas is in our DNA. Mountain gorillas share about 98.4% of their genetic code with humans, making them one of our closest living relatives, alongside chimpanzees and bonobos. In fact, we have such a similar genetic code, that gorillas can actually get Covid, which is why we have to wear Covid masks when we visit. This genetic overlap accounts for many of the physical, biological, and behavioral similarities we observe during our treks.

Much like humans, mountain gorillas form deep bonds with family members, engage in cooperative care of the young, and display strong emotional connections within their group. These social bonds play a critical role in the group’s survival, just as human relationships are essential for the well-being of individuals in human communities.  The structure of their social groups resembles that of early human societies, where a leader is responsible for protecting and guiding the group.  In the case of mountain gorillas their tight-knit family groups are led by a dominant male, known as a “silverback”.  Much like in gay culture, “daddy’s” are in in the gorilla world as well.

Though they lack spoken language, mountain gorillas are highly expressive creatures. They use a variety of vocalizations, gestures, and facial expressions to communicate with one another, much like humans. For example, mountain gorillas will grunt, bark, and even laugh to express contentment or signal danger. In fact, during our gorilla trek in Rwanda, one of the first things we learn in preparation is how to make specific grunting noise, which almost sounds like a small clearing of your throat which signals to the gorilla families that we are friendly.

They also use nonverbal body language—pounding their chest, for instance, as a display of strength or dominance.  And then there are their facial expressions. A smile or grimace can indicate submission, while eye contact and physical touch convey comfort or reassurance, much like how humans use nonverbal cues to communicate emotions.

Mountain gorillas have even been observed using tools in the wild. Some gorillas have been seen using sticks to gauge the depth of water, or leaves as sponges to soak up water to drink. This ability to manipulate objects in their environment to solve problems suggests a level of cognitive function that closely mirrors that of humans. Their behavior demonstrates a capacity for problem-solving, learning, and even cultural transmission of knowledge within groups, much like human societies.

Mountain gorillas are known to exhibit a wide range of emotions that are strikingly similar to humans. They show affection, grief, joy, and even jealousy. Researchers have documented instances of gorillas mourning the death of a group member, and displaying signs of distress and sadness. Silverbacks have been observed consoling younger gorillas after a stressful event, much like human parents comfort their children. The emotional complexity of these animals underscores their intelligence and deep social bonds, highlighting the similarities in the way humans and gorillas experience the world emotionally.

Mountain gorillas exhibit highly attentive parenting behaviors that mirror those of humans. Female gorillas nurse and care for their infants for several years, teaching them essential survival skills, such as foraging and navigating their environment. The strong mother-infant bond in gorillas is comparable to the early developmental period in human children, where constant care, teaching, and affection are vital for growth. Additionally, silverbacks often play a protective role similar to that of human fathers, guarding the group from external threats and ensuring the well-being of their offspring.  My last group was so fortunate that we got to see a baby gorilla that was literally born the day before. We were the first humans to ever see him!

Although mountain gorillas are primarily herbivores, consuming a diet of leaves, stems, and fruits, their dietary habits show some overlap with humans. They engage in foraging behaviors, selecting specific plants for their nutritional content. Like humans, gorillas have a diverse diet and exhibit a preference for particular foods depending on availability. Their use of specific feeding sites, and sometimes even medicinal plants, suggests a level of ecological knowledge and adaptability akin to human foraging practices.

The similarities between mountain gorillas and humans are a reminder of our shared ancestry and the intricate web of life that connects us. Truly, when you lock eyes with a mountain gorilla in his or her natural habitat something spiritual takes place. Many of my travelers who have taken the gorilla trek with me have expressed a feeling of connection that is hard to describe, but can only be felt, and they are never quite the same after the experience.  We leave these gentle giants and the forest they inhabit with a new understanding of life and of ourselves.