It’s no secret that apes are some of the strongest animals on Earth. They’re built for it, with their large muscles and long limbs. They’re also incredibly smart, which gives them an advantage when it comes to using their strength. I’ve personally always been fascinated by their strength, which is why I decided to research and write this article.
These primates are amazing creatures, and they come in all shapes and sizes, but which ones are the strongest? Gorillas are the largest of the apes and have immense strength. They can weigh up to 450 pounds and are six times as strong as a human.
In this article, you’ll learn more about gorillas and other apes and find out which ones are the strongest. Plus, it’s not just the size and weight of an ape that makes it strong — some of the smaller species can be just as powerful.
Here are the five strongest apes, based on their size, strength, and abilities:
#1: Gorillas
Gorillas are by far the strongest apes. They weigh up to 500 pounds and can lift up to 10 times their body weight. That’s the equivalent of a human lifting a car! They’re also incredibly fast, and able to run up to 30 miles per hour.
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This species is found in the forests of central Africa, where they spend a lot of time eating:
- leaves
- fruits
- stems
They live in family groups that are led by a silverback male. Gorillas are gentle giants but can be very aggressive if they feel threatened.
The Mountain Gorilla is the largest subspecies. They’re also the most endangered, with only about 700 left in the wild. They live in high altitudes and have thick fur to protect them from the cold.
#2: Chimpanzees
Chimpanzees are almost as strong as gorillas. They weigh up to 200 pounds and can lift up to 5 times their body weight. They’re not quite as fast as gorillas, but they can still reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour.
They’re also incredibly intelligent, which gives them an advantage over other animals in the wild. They use tools, they communicate using a complex system of vocalizations and gestures, and they have been known to cooperate with one another to achieve common goals.
You can find chimpanzees in the wild throughout Africa, where they live in tropical forests and Savannas. They’re also found in zoos and sanctuaries around the world.
#3: Orangutans
Orangutans are the third strongest apes. They weigh up to 200 pounds and can lift up to 3 times their body weight. They’re not as fast as gorillas or chimpanzees, but they can still reach speeds of up to 15 miles per hour.
Orangutans are the largest arboreal animals in the world, and their powerful muscles allow them to swing from branch to branch with ease. They’re also incredibly strong on the ground, where they use their muscular arms to support their massive bodies.
They’re also very good at using tools. In the wild, orangutans use sticks to help them reach fruits that are out of reach and use stones to crack open nuts.
This species is found in the rainforests of Indonesia and Malaysia. They’re also one of the longest-living apes, with a lifespan of up to 60 years.
#4: Gibbons
Gibbons are the fourth strongest apes. They weigh up to 30 pounds and can lift up to 1.5 times their body weight. They’re not as strong or fast as the other apes, but they make up for it with their agility. They can swing through the trees at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.
They are the fastest and most agile of all apes, but their small size limits their strength. Nonetheless, they’re still incredibly powerful creatures and are more than capable of taking down prey larger than themselves, such as snakes and large birds.
This species can be found in the forests of Southeast Asia. They live in small family groups consisting of a mated pair and their offspring. The most well-known gibbon is the hoolock gibbon, which is the largest member of this family.
#5: Bonobos
Bonobos are the weakest of the great apes. They weigh up to 100 pounds and can lift up to 2 times their body weight. They’re also the slowest, only able to reach speeds of up to 10 miles per hour.
They are, however, the most intelligent of the apes. They’re able to use tools and communicate using a variety of sounds and gestures. They’re also the only known animals to have sex for pleasure.
Moreover, bonobos are the most peaceful of the great apes. They live in matriarchal societies where females are in charge and aggression is rare.
Nonetheless, bonobos are still apes and can be dangerous if provoked. They have large canine teeth that they can use to bite. And while they’re not as strong as other apes, their size and weight can still be intimidating.
Takeaway
Apes are some of the strongest animals on the planet. They are incredibly powerful, and their muscles are very well-developed. There are several different species of apes, and each one is a little bit different in terms of strength.
Gorillas are the strongest apes, followed by chimpanzees and orangutans. Gibbons and bonobos are also quite strong, but not as strong as the other three species. All of these animals are incredibly powerful and can easily overpower humans and other animals.
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