Gorillas Gorillas. Gorillas are members of the great ape family. They live in the forests of Africa. Gorillas have strong, heavy bodies. They can walk on two legs like people do. Most of the time they walk on their feet and hands. Gorillas eat leaves, stems, bark, fruits, flowers, and wood. They also eat insects and snails. Most gorillas do not hunt. Gorillas make faces to show how they feel. Their faces tell if they are happy, sad, or upset. Gorillas can cry, and they laugh when they are tickled. Gorilla Families. A gorilla family is called a troop. A troop eats, sleeps, and plays together. Family members play tag, catch, and dress-up with leaves. A gorilla baby nurses and stays close to its mother for a few years. It rides on her back to move around. When a male gorilla grows up, the fur on its back turns silver. It is called a silverback. The silverback's job is to protect the troop. Learning to Talk. Gorillas are very smart. A woman named Penny taught a gorilla to use sign language. The gorilla's name is Koko. Koko uses signs to tell Penny what she wants and how she feels. Gorillas in Danger. Many gorillas have been killed by hunters. Their forest homes are being cut down. Gorillas are now endangered. Many people are trying to save these great apes.