Rwanda is set for the 19th Kwita Izina event set to take place on Friday, September 1, at the footsteps of Volcanoes National Park. The event will see 23 baby gorillas given names by global icons.

Ahead of the event, The New Times explored five lesser-known facts about gorillas

1) Lifting abilities

Gorillas can hoist objects weighing up to 2000kg, equivalent to the weight of 30 humans. Illustrating this astonishing power, an article on medium.com states that if we consider the average weight of an adult male mountain gorilla at 400 Ib (181kg), they could potentially lift an impressive 4000 Ib (1810kg), over ten times their body weight.

2) Appetite

According to Nature, a journal that writes about wilderness, an adult can eat up to 40 pounds of vegetation a day, about 10 per cent of its total body weight, gorillas mainly eat plant material. Their diet also includes leaves, seeds, roots, ants, and termites.

3) Life expectancy

GorillaFacts.org informs us that gorillas have a life expectancy of up to 53 years. In the wild, they typically live between 35 and 40 years, whereas in captivity, their lifespan extends beyond 50 years. This longevity emphasizes the significance of conservation efforts.

4) Gorillas can give birth at the age of 10

Female gorillas undergo a pivotal phase in their lives, reaching reproductive maturity after approximately 10 years. Comparable to the hormone cycles in human females, this transition marks a critical period in their reproductive journey. Female gorillas may experience their first ovulation around 8 years old, with the initial ovulation typically occurring at the age of 10. Captive gorillas usually reach sexual maturity faster, sometimes in their 6th year.

5) Gorillas are members of global powerhouses of strength

Acknowledging their physical prowess, A-Z Animal Journal classifies gorillas among the top five strongest animals globally. Their formidable strength largely stems from their substantial body size.