Ever wondered if a gorilla is bigger than a chimpanzee? The answer’s a definite yes.
Gorillas are way larger—they usually weigh about three times as much as chimpanzees and stand taller when they’re up on their feet.
This size difference really stands out and shapes a lot of how these great apes live and interact.
If you ever see a gorilla next to a chimp, you’ll spot the gorilla’s broad chest, massive arms, and muscular build right away.
Chimps look much smaller and leaner in comparison.
These differences explain why gorillas rely on their strength and size, while chimps use speed and agility in their daily routines.
Curious about the exact size gap or how else these two animals compare?
Keep reading for some interesting facts about their weight, height, and the way they live.
It’s honestly pretty fascinating how different they are.
Gorilla vs. Chimpanzee: Size and Physical Differences
When you compare gorillas and chimpanzees, you’ll spot some big differences in size, shape, and strength.
Sure, they’re both great apes, but gorillas are much bigger and more powerful.
Their builds and looks up close also set them apart.
Average Weight and Height Comparison
Adult male gorillas—like mountain gorillas and western lowland gorillas—can weigh between 300 and 450 pounds.
They usually stand about 5.5 to 6 feet tall if they stand upright.
Female gorillas weigh less, but they’re still heavy compared to chimps.
Chimpanzees, on the other hand, are quite a bit lighter.
Male chimps weigh around 90 to 150 pounds and stand between 4 and 5.5 feet tall.
Females are smaller than males.
If you ever see these primates side by side, especially with the big mountain gorillas, the size gap is obvious.
Physical Appearance and Hair
Gorillas have bulky bodies, broad chests, and thick necks.
They’ve got large heads with a strong brow ridge, which gives them a solid, almost imposing look.
Their arms are long and super muscular, and sometimes their arm span reaches 8.5 feet.
Chimps look slimmer and move with more agility.
Their arms are long but not as wide, and their hands are more nimble—great for using tools.
Both species have dark hair, but gorilla hair is thicker and usually gray or black.
Mountain gorillas often show off a silver patch on their backs.
Strength and Build
Gorillas are insanely strong—way stronger than chimps.
Their muscles are built for power and protection.
Some estimates say a silverback gorilla can be up to 10 times stronger than a human.
Chimps are strong too, but their strength is closer to 1.5 times that of a human.
They count on speed and agility more than brute force.
Their leaner build helps them climb trees and move fast through the forest.
Gorillas use their size to dominate on the ground.
If you want more details, check out how much bigger is a gorilla than a chimpanzee.
Habitats, Social Behavior, and Where to See Them
Gorillas and chimpanzees live in different parts of Africa, each with their own unique homes and habits.
You can actually visit special parks to see them in the wild.
Their diets and daily routines look pretty different too, shaped by where they live and how they get by.
Natural Range in Africa
Gorillas mostly stick to tropical forests in central and east Africa.
You’ll find mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, especially in places like Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park.
Western lowland gorillas live further west, deep in dense forests.
Chimpanzees live across a wider range in west and central Africa.
They thrive in forests and savannahs, with strong populations in Uganda’s Budongo Forest and Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park.
Bonobos, who are very close relatives in the genus Pan, only live south of the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Gorilla Trekking and Chimpanzee Trekking Destinations
You can try gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or Congo, where guides take you out to see gorilla families up close.
Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is super popular and lets you watch these massive primates in their own world.
Chimpanzee trekking happens in places like Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, the spot Jane Goodall made famous.
Mahale Mountains National Park is another great place to watch chimps in their natural habitat.
These treks are a chance to see some truly smart, lively animals in action.
Behavioral and Dietary Differences
Gorillas usually munch on leaves, stems, and fruit. They stick to a mostly plant-based menu.
Their social groups tend to be bigger, and a dominant silverback male leads the troop. You’ll often find gorillas spending their days eating or just relaxing.
Chimpanzees, on the other hand, mix things up a bit more. They eat fruit, insects, and sometimes even small animals.
Their groups don’t really stick together in the same way as gorillas. Chimpanzees form complicated social bonds and interact a lot.
You’ll notice chimps climbing trees way more often than gorillas do. Gorillas pretty much prefer to stay on the ground.
