Do gorillas swim?

Do gorillas swim? : Just like other apes as well as humans, gorillas can not swim naturally; therefore they avoid large bodies such as water and rivers. In fact, humans are more aquatic than the gorillas. The answer to the question “Can gorillas Swim” is “no, gorillas cannot swim”.

According to the research done by the gorilla expert – Dian Fossey. It stated that “mountain gorillas had an obvious dislike of rain and they seem to dislike water in general”, usually gorillas try to cross streams without getting wet.

Like any other great apes, gorillas are not born with an instinctual ability to swim, large bodies and a dense bone structure would make it difficult even if they did attempt it.

In their daily lives, gorillas rarely encounter deep waters and have evolved to survive without swimming, these are all signs to why they prefer dry land.

Do Gorillas Ever Go in the Water?

Though gorillas cannot swim, that does not mean they do not ever go in water. Western lowland gorilla sometimes live in swamp forests, that makes it hard to avoid getting wet although they stick to the shallows.

Also, young gorillas enjoy splashing around in shallow water. This is usually in the dry season where there is no danger of the infants being washed away. If gorillas need to cross water, they will sometimes wade across on two legs as long as it isn’t too deep. Some intelligent individuals have even used sticks to gauge the depth.

Usually, crossing is off the cards when it comes to deep or fast – running waters. Gorillas might attempt it that is if they can climb over obstacles and avoid getting wet. If not, they have no choice by to turn back.

Why Gorillas Cannot Swim

The main reason why gorillas cannot swim is that they don’t need to, so they never learned how. Foraging through the forest does not require a front crow so the gorillas survived just fine without having ability to swim. And since they get most of their fluid from plants, they rarely need to go near lakes or rivers to get water.

Gorillas evolved large, heavy bodies with plenty of muscle and not much fat, their impressive size and strength helps them break up vegetation and allows males to compete for mates.

Gorillas skeletons are much more robust than humans with far denser bones.

Though gorillas do not spend much time in the trees like other apes, gorillas’ physiology is still suited to climbing, with their long powerful arms and comparatively short legs. These adaptations have helped the gorillas in their daily life which swimming isn’t part of.

Can Gorillas Learn to Swim

No, gorillas cannot swim naturally.

“Can gorillas learn to swim” is another interesting question asked by many people, the answer is yes. after all, humans aren’t born with the ability to swim yet many adults are adept in the water.

In the natural environment, mountain gorillas can survive without swimming and try learn would be dangerous. With the right conditions, though, perhaps a gorilla could improve its swimming abilities.

Gorillas and Swimming

Just like other apes, gorillas are incapable of swimming naturally. This is why they stay away from water bodies including lakes and rivers, however both juvenile and mature creatures like playing with water most especially gorillas in the zoos, gorillas in the wild occasionally play with water.

Occasionally, they cross wetlands on two legs when submerged up to their waists in the pursuit of food.

In case of rain, they simply gorillas remain still and patiently wait for the rain to stop. They will sit beneath a cave or other nearby shelter if there is any available. Even though these creatures are incredibly smart, they won’t hide under giant leaves or tree to get out of the rain.

How Do Gorillas Cool Off?

Various types of gorillas have a different way they cool off, the Eastern lowland gorillas have sparse hair that helps them cool off and Mountain gorillas have thicker and longer hair that may absorb heat because nighttime temperatures in the Virunga Mountains may get below freezing.

There dark fur is also helpful since it conceals them and keep these creatures camouflaged in the dense rainforest.

Generally, gorillas have the modest freshwater requirements and they can withstand a wide range of temperatures, they are subjected to high levels of climatic unpredictability and they eat a variety of bountiful foods.