The first apes evolved about 25 million years ago and by 20 million years ago were a very diverse group. Within the last 10 million years, however, many ape species became extinct as the earth’s climate cooled and dried and their forested environments changed to woodland and grassland. There are now only about 20 living species of apes and they are divided into two major groups. These are the:

Lesser Apes, containing the gibbons
Great Apes, containing the orang-utans, gorillas, chimpanzees and humans

Gorillas Are Extremely Intelligent


Like all great apes, gorillas are extremely intelligent. Koko, a famous gorilla living in California, can communicate with more than 1,000 hand signals in "Gorilla Sign Language," a modified version of American Sign Language. Gorillas can also use tools and have various methods of communication, including around 25 different sounds.

At the ABQ BioPark, gorilla keepers utilize this animal's extreme intelligence to work on a pro-active healthcare program. Keepers ask for behaviors like presenting a forearm for a voluntary blood draw, offering fingers for nail trims and opening their mouth for teeth brushing (all activities are done through the safety of heavy-duty mesh to ensure human and animal safety). According to primate keepers, Tusa is the valedictorian of the gorilla group - not only does she pick up on new behaviors fast, but she is even able to anticipate what keepers want before they even ask.

The ABQ BioPark has Western lowland gorillas, which are native to several countries in the Congo Basin in West-Central Africa.
should be GORILLA.

SMARTER THAN APES