Blackback Gorilla Height: Standing Tall in the Shadows of Silverbacks
Unveiling the Growth and Stature of Young Male Gorillas in the Wild
In the mist-laden forests of Uganda, between the innocent playfulness of juvenile gorillas and the formidable dominance of silverbacks lies a crucial and often overlooked chapter—the blackback. While much attention is given to the towering silverback, the blackback gorilla represents a silent, powerful presence that is growing, learning, and slowly stepping into his future role. One of the most fascinating aspects of this stage is his height—a physical marker of his transformation from a young male into the future leader of a gorilla troop.
How Tall Is a Blackback Gorilla?
A blackback gorilla typically stands between 4.5 to 5.5 feet tall (approximately 1.37 to 1.67 meters) when upright on two legs. While gorillas are knuckle-walkers and rarely stand fully upright, this estimated height gives us a clearer sense of their physical development at this transitional stage. It’s important to note that even at this age—usually between 8 and 12 years old—a blackback is already larger than most adult human males in terms of both height and sheer mass.
His upright height, however, is only part of the picture. What really sets a blackback apart is the way his proportions begin to mirror those of a future silverback. His shoulders start to widen, his chest becomes broader, and his long, muscular arms stretch well past his knees—providing incredible leverage and power. At rest, crouched or on all fours, a blackback may seem deceptively compact. But when he rises—whether to beat his chest, observe his surroundings, or assert his growing presence—the full picture of his stature becomes clear.
Comparing Blackback Height to Other Life Stages
To truly understand a blackback’s height, it’s useful to compare it to other stages in a gorilla’s development. Juvenile gorillas under 6 years old are typically under 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall when upright. Their bodies are slimmer, and their posture is more flexible and playful. On the other end, mature silverbacks—often aged 13 and above—can reach 5.5 to 6 feet tall (1.67 to 1.83 meters) when fully upright, with bodies packed with an average of 180 to 220 kilograms of dense muscle.
Blackbacks sit perfectly in between. They are still growing—especially in weight and muscle mass—but their height is already significant. They may not yet display the signature silver stripe on their back, but their skeletal and muscular structures are clearly in the process of maturing. Their legs become stockier, their arm span grows dramatically (often reaching 2.3 to 2.6 meters in total), and their overall physical frame begins to exude strength and confidence, even without the dominance of a silverback.
What Their Height Means in the Forest Hierarchy
In gorilla society, size is more than just a number—it’s a statement. A blackback’s height, especially when paired with his increasing weight and muscle tone, plays a vital role in his evolving place within the troop. He is no longer a child to be protected, but not yet the leader. His rising stature allows him to help guard the group’s flanks, watch over infants, and take part in subtle power displays during social interactions.
Height also plays into behavior. A blackback may rise to full height during a chest beat or mock charge, showcasing his size to group members or potential rivals. While these gestures may be more performative than confrontational, they serve as rehearsals for the dominance he may one day claim. In some cases, especially in smaller or aging troops, a tall, powerful blackback may even step into leadership early, especially if the silverback is weak or absent.
