Silverback Gorilla Weight: How Heavy Are Adult Male Gorillas?

Silverback gorillas are the powerful adult males that lead gorilla troops, easily recognized by the distinctive silver-gray hair that develops across their backs as they mature.

These impressive primates are the largest living primates on Earth, with adult males typically weighing between 160 and 220 kilograms (353 to 485 pounds) in the wild.

Some exceptional individuals, particularly from certain subspecies, can reach up to 270 kilograms (595 pounds), while captive gorillas often grow even heavier due to consistent feeding and limited exercise.

Silverback Gorilla Weight varies significantly depending on factors like subspecies, habitat, diet, and whether the animal lives in the wild or in captivity.

In the wild, silverback Gorillas maintain a leaner, more muscular build through constant foraging and movement across rugged terrain.

Captive gorillas, on the other hand, may exceed 300 kilograms because of richer diets and reduced physical demands. This difference highlights how environment shapes their impressive size.

Average Silverback Gorilla Weight

Most sources agree that wild silverback gorillas average around 170 to 200 kilograms, though tourism-focused descriptions often emphasize the upper range to underscore their dominance.

Mountain gorillas, the subspecies most familiar to many through conservation stories, typically fall in the 160 to 220 kilogram range. Eastern lowland gorillas tend to be the heaviest, while western lowland gorillas are slightly lighter on average.

The recorded maximum in the wild is around 267 kilograms for an eastern lowland specimen shot in Cameroon many decades ago.

Silverback Gorilla Weight in KG and Pounds

For a clear overview, here’s a table summarizing weights across categories:

Category	Weight (kg)	Weight (lbs)	Notes
Newborn	1.8–2.3	4–5	Born tiny and dependent
Juvenile (3–8 years)	20–70	44–154	Rapid early growth
Adult Female	70–113	154–249	Roughly half the male weight
Wild Silverback (Average)	160–220	353–485	Varies by subspecies
Maximum Wild Recorded	Up to 267	Up to 589	Eastern lowland gorilla
Captive Maximum	Up to 310+	Up to 683+	Due to diet and lower activity

This table illustrates the dramatic sexual dimorphism in gorillas, where males grow substantially larger to fulfill their roles as protectors and leaders.

Silverback Gorilla Weight vs Human

When comparing a silverback gorilla to an average adult human male, who typically weighs 80 to 90 kilograms (176 to 198 pounds), the difference is striking.

A silverback can be more than twice as heavy, with vastly superior muscle density that makes them 6 to 10 times stronger relative to their size.

Standing upright, a silverback reaches about 1.7 to 1.8 meters, not much taller than many humans, but their broad chest, massive arms, and overall bulk create an intimidating presence that underscores their raw power in the animal kingdom.

Silverback Gorilla Weight vs Other Gorillas

Within a gorilla troop, the silverback dwarfs everyone else. Adult females weigh only about half as much, focusing their energy on reproduction rather than dominance displays.

Sub-adult males, known as blackbacks, range from 100 to 160 kilograms as they approach maturity but haven’t yet developed the full silver saddle. Juveniles and infants are far lighter, emphasizing the long growth period needed to reach silverback

What Determines a Silverback Gorilla’s Weight?

A silverback’s weight is influenced by several interconnected factors. Their primarily herbivorous diet—consisting of leaves, stems, shoots, fruits, and bamboo—provides the bulk needed for growth, but the quality and availability vary by habitat.

Lowland regions offer more fruit, supporting larger body sizes, while mountain gorillas rely on tougher foliage in cooler, higher altitudes. Age plays a key role too, with males reaching peak weight around 15 to 20 years.

Genetics and subspecies differences contribute, as do social dynamics: dominant silverbacks enjoy priority access to food, helping them maintain superior size. In captivity, unlimited food and less movement often result in obesity-like weights far beyond wild norms.

Silverback Gorilla Weight by Subspecies

Gorillas are divided into eastern and western species, with notable weight variations among subspecies. Eastern lowland gorillas (also called Grauer’s) are generally the heaviest, with males averaging 170 to 210 kilograms and some exceeding 250.

Mountain gorillas, adapted to high-altitude life, typically weigh 160 to 220 kilograms. Western lowland gorillas are the smallest on average, around 140 to 200 kilograms, though still formidable.

How Much Does a Silverback Gorilla Weigh at Different Ages?

Gorilla growth is slow and steady. Infants start at just 2 kilograms, doubling or tripling in the first year while nursing. By juvenile stage (3 to 8 years), they reach 20 to 70 kilograms, becoming more independent.

Blackbacks (8 to 12 years) build toward 100 to 160 kilograms, and full silverback maturity after 12 years brings them to prime adult weight. Females mature faster but remain lighter throughout life.

In summary:

Why Silverback Gorilla Weight Matters for Conservation

Maintaining healthy weights is a vital indicator of gorilla well-being in the wild. Malnutrition from habitat loss, poaching, or disease can reduce body mass and reproductive success, threatening populations.

Conservation efforts, including protected parks and responsible tourism, help ensure access to diverse foods and monitor health.

By preserving habitats, we support the natural factors that allow these magnificent silverbacks to thrive at their impressive sizes.

FAQs about Silverback Gorilla Weight

How heavy is the biggest silverback gorilla ever recorded?

The heaviest wild silverback on record weighed 267 kg (589 lbs), while captives have reached over 310 kg.

Are silverback gorillas heavier than lions?

Yes, adult male lions average 190 kg, lighter than many prime silverbacks.

Do captive silverbacks weigh more than wild ones?

Typically yes, due to consistent high-calorie diets and less exercise.

Best place to see silverback gorillas in Africa

The best place to see majestic silverback gorillas in Africa is Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to over half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

This ancient rainforest offers intimate trekking experiences with numerous habituated families, stunning biodiversity, and high sighting success rates.

More affordable gorilla trekking permits and diverse sectors make it ideal for an unforgettable encounter with these gentle giants.

Come see them with our eco friendly Uganda gorilla safari packages . Contact us today.