Gorillas Stick to a Mainly Vegetarian Diet, Feeding on Stems, Bamboo Shoots and Fruits. Western Lowland Gorillas, However, Also Have an Appetite for Termites...
Gorillas stick to a mainly vegetarian diet, feeding on stems, bamboo shoots and fruits. Western lowland gorillas, however, also have an appetite for termites and ants, and break open termite nests to eat the larvae.
How do gorillas get so big without meat?
Herbivores, gorillas, in particular, grow to such a large size because they eat an exceptionally balanced diet that is designed to maximize their growth and strength. However, it is important to understand the most plants are high in cellulose, which is difficult for the body to break down.
Most primates eat meat rarely, if at all, but meat sometimes provides substantial immediate energy and protein gains. The main importance of meat is probably as a source of vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients. Chimpanzees eat more meat than all other nonhuman primates, but much less than African hunter-gatherers.