98% Human
Shot at 210mm @ f/5.6, 1/500s, ISO 2200, EV -0.3
Together with the chimp (see blog post), the gorilla is our closest living relative. We share approximately 98% of DNA with them. Pretty remarkable, but also somewhat understandable when you observe the gorillas in their habitat.
Shot at 145mm @ f/5.6, 1/500s, ISO 1250, EV -1
Sadly, as with the other primates I encountered in Uganda, the gorillas are also on the endangered list of wild animals. The eastern gorilla – one of two species – has an estimated remaining population of 2000-3000, mostly in the Congo. A sub-species – the mountain gorilla – can be found on the borders between Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They live at elevations between 2,000m and 4,000m, hence their thicker fur to survive in a habitat than can be very cold. This sub-species is the most severely endangered with only 800 individuals in the wild.
200kg Silverback sitting comfortably? - Shot at 400m @ f/4, 1/500s, ISO-220, EV -1
As with our chimp treks, we required the help of the Ugandan Wildlife Authority to locate the mountain gorillas. On day one, we met the UWA at the mountain base station at 2,300m to start our walk up the slope of the mountain rainforest to find the troop. The trackers and guides of the UWA were highly impressive and as we reached 2,800m we located the gorillas. This habituated troop allowed us to approach them rather close and we were allowed one hour by the UWA to photograph the gorillas.
Shot at 400mm @ f/2.8, 1/1000s, ISO 72, EV -0.3
The mountainside was very steep and covered in dense thickets, vines and foliage. As herbivores, the gorillas spent most of the time stuck deep in the bushes chomping on leaves, stems and shoots – their main diet. The leader of the troop – the silverback – was a pretty impressively large chap at around 200kg and 1.8m tall with a 2.5m arm-span! The gorillas mainly ‘knuckle-walk’ on all four and don’t come across as that tall, but they are rather muscular and thickset primates … so they look a tad scary close up. But in reality the mountain gorillas are quite benign and rarely aggressive unless severely provoked.
Shot at 125mm @ f/5.6, 1/640s, ISO 5600, EV -1.7
Although we could get close (100mm-400mm working focal length), photography was a challenge due to the thick bushes and the steep mountain inclines. Keeping balance and manoeuvring through the dense undergrowth of stems, branches and jungle vines took a fair bit of focus and effort. The UWA team’s machetes helped quite a bit in cutting paths through the thickets! The light was also rather harsh as we only reached the troops after long treks into the middle of the day. Dark undergrowth and a bright sun created exposure challenges in balancing highlights and deep shadows.
Shot at 280mm @ f/5, 1/100s, ISO 560, EV 0
As opposed to the chimps, the gorillas were more static and seemed to prefer it deep in the bushes. The activity levels – apart from endlessly munching on leaves – were low. This also created challenges in framing interesting shots, and in conveying a sense of the size and power of these wonderful primates. Nevertheless, the experience of the treks to observe the mountain gorillas in the Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks in Uganda was something I will not forget in a hurry.
Shot at 210mm @ f/5.6, 1/320s, ISO 2200, EV -1
More images can be found in the primate gallery.
Shot at 100mm @ f/5.6, 1/320s, ISO 2200, EV -0.7