Have you ever wondered if you could outrun a gorilla? The answer might surprise you.
These large primates, despite their bulky appearance, can move much faster than most people expect.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how fast gorillas can run, what factors affect their speed, and how they compare to humans.
If you’re planning a safari or are simply curious about these creatures, this information helps you gain a deeper knowledge of gorillas.
Understanding Gorilla Speed
Gorillas can run at speeds of 20 – 25 miles per hour in short bursts. This is quite fast for animals of their size. To put this in context, the average human jogs at about 6-8 miles per hour (mph).
These speeds aren’t maintained for long periods, but they allow gorillas to react quickly when they need to move fast.
Their quick bursts of speed serve them well in forest settings where they rarely need to run long distances.
How Do Gorillas Run?
Gorillas use a method called knuckle-walking to move around. This means they walk on all fours, with their knuckles touching the ground. When they run, they maintain this position but increase their stride and speed.
This knuckle-walking technique enables gorillas to maintain stability while moving. Their arms are longer than their legs, so this style of movement suits their body structure well.
As they pick up speed, their strong arms help propel them forward with each stride, utilizing their powerful shoulder and back muscles.
Factors That Affect a Gorilla’s Speed
From their size and age, several factors combine to determine just how fast a gorilla can run:
| FACTOR | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Body Size and Weight | Male gorillas, especially silverbacks, are slower due to their size, while younger gorillas are faster and more agile. |
| Age and Gender Differences | Young gorillas are quicker, and females may outpace males, especially when protecting their young. |
| Terrain and Environment | Dense forests and steep hills limit speed, but gorillas adapt well to their environment. |
| Motivation (Threats, Defense, Food) | Gorillas run faster when threatened or defending their group, but move slowly when not in danger. |
Gorilla Speed Compared to Humans
Most humans cannot outrun a gorilla in a short race. With their top speed of 25 mph, gorillas outpace the average person who runs at about 8-10 mph. Even trained human runners would struggle to beat a gorilla in a sprint.
If you ever find yourself near a gorilla in the wild, never try to run away. This might trigger a chase response. Instead, follow your guide’s instructions, which usually involve staying still and avoiding direct eye contact.
Let’s look at the numbers:
- Average human walking speed: 3-4 mph
- Average human jogging speed: 6-8 mph
- Average human sprinting speed: 12-15 mph
- Trained human sprinter: up to 23 mph
Compare this to gorillas:
- Gorilla walking speed: 4-6 mph
- Gorilla running speed: 20-25 mph
As you can see, in terms of top speed, only the fastest human athletes in the world could match a gorilla, and even then, only for a very short time.
When Do Gorillas Run
Gorillas typically don’t run in their daily lives, as they spend most of their time moving slowly while feeding on plants.
However, they may occur in specific situations, such as when startled by a sudden threat, during physical conflicts between silverbacks, when younger gorillas play and chase each other, when they are separated from their group, or during aggressive displays to demonstrate their strength.
Common Myths About Gorilla Speed
- Myth 1: Gorillas are slow because they’re so big.
Truth: Despite their size, gorillas can move very quickly when needed. - Myth 2: Gorillas can’t catch humans.
Truth: Most humans couldn’t outrun a gorilla over a short distance. - Myth 3: Gorillas chase and hunt people.
Truth: Gorillas are plant-eaters and rarely chase humans unless they feel threatened. - Myth 4: Gorillas can run for miles.
Truth: They’re sprinters, not marathon runners, and tire quickly.
Conclusion
Now you know gorillas can sprint up to 25 mph, faster than most of us. But don’t worry, these gentle giants rarely run unless they need to protect their families or show their strength.
Their knuckle-walking helps them move quickly through forests for short bursts, though they’d lose to us in a marathon.
Nature designed them perfectly for their lifestyle; they are powerful in short bursts rather than over long distances.
Next time you see gorillas at a zoo or in a nature documentary, you’ll know how these animals move.
