western lowland gorilla

[ wes-tern loh-luhnd guh-ril-uh ]

noun

1. a black, primarily herbivorous, nonterritorial gorilla ( Gorilla gorilla gorilla ), a subspecies of the western gorilla and the smallest of all gorilla subspecies, living in a variety of central African habitats, especially the swamp forests of Democratic Republic of the Congo: listed as critically endangered, it is the only gorilla subspecies to live and breed in zoos.

Word History and Origins

Origin of western lowland gorilla¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Winston, a beloved 52-year-old western lowland gorilla and one of the oldest silverbacks in the world, died Saturday at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, officials announced.

From Los Angeles Times

A critically endangered western lowland gorilla has been born at London Zoo.

From BBC

Zoo keeper Simon Beasley said the western lowland gorilla still has a lot of character despite her age.

From BBC

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo in the District of Columbia is letting the public weigh in on three possible names for the female western lowland gorilla who was born May 27.

From Washington Times

“We are overjoyed to welcome a new infant to our western lowland gorilla troop,” said Becky Malinsky, curator of primates at the zoo.

From Washington Times