What Is a Female Gorilla Called?

By Staff WriterLast Updated March 29, 2020

A female gorilla does not have a special name based on gender. Only adult male gorillas are identified as “silverbacks,” which refers to the silver line of fur adult mountain gorillas produce after maturity.

Female gorillas live in troops that consist of one or two silverbacks and any children produced by the females in the troop. In the event that a silverback is killed, the females will stay together until another silverback takes over leadership.

Female gorillas are responsible for caring for all offspring and being available to mate with the silverback. Females will nurse an infant gorilla for up to 3 years and provide care for up to 6 years before the baby becomes independent of the mother.