The question of whether gorillas or orangutans are physically stronger has fascinated primate researchers and wildlife enthusiasts for decades. Both species are incredibly powerful primates with impressive strength capabilities adapted for their respective lifestyles and environments.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: research suggests that on average, gorillas are stronger than orangutans due to their larger size and more pronounced muscular development.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the evolutionary traits, anatomy, and documented feats of strength of gorillas and orangutans. By evaluating the scientific evidence and expert analyses, we’ll provide a detailed comparison to determine which great ape takes the title for the strongest primate.
Key Physical Characteristics
Average Weight and Height
When it comes to size and stature, gorillas and orangutans have some notable differences. Gorillas are significantly larger than orangutans, with adult male gorillas averaging 300-500 lbs (136-227 kg) and standing around 5.5 feet (1.7 m) tall when upright.
In contrast, adult male orangutans typically weigh around 200 lbs (90 kg) and stand approximately 4.5 feet (1.4 m) tall. The females of both species are roughly half the size of the males.
Muscle Mass
The larger body size of gorillas is accompanied by greater muscularity and strength. Gorillas have exceptionally well-developed muscles, particularly in their arms, chest and back – evolutionary adaptations for their primarily terrestrial lifestyle which involves climbing, foraging, and knuckle-walking.
Studies show that pound-for-pound, gorilla muscle contains more high-oxidative (slow-twitch) muscle fibers than humans, enabling incredible feats of strength when needed. Orangutans have a leaner, more agile build suited to an arboreal lifestyle, with longer arms and less muscular bodies than gorillas.
Arm Length
One of the most striking physical differences between gorillas and orangutans is arm length. Gorillas have much shorter arms relative to their body size compared to orangutans. The arms of an adult male gorilla only reach to the knees when standing upright.
Orangutans, on the other hand, have extremely long arms that span about 2.25 times their body height. Their long reach and arm-powered mobility makes them specially adapted for swinging and climbing through the tree canopy.
Natural Habitats and Lifestyles
Gorilla Habitats and Behaviors
Gorillas reside exclusively in the tropical and subtropical forests of central Sub-Saharan Africa. Their habitats range across Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, and other countries. Researchers have identified two gorilla species and four subspecies, such as the eastern lowland gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri) and the mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei).
These gentle giants live in family groups led by a dominant silverback male. A gorilla group occupies a territory averaging 16 square kilometers. While largely herbivorous, gorillas occasionally feed on insects for protein.
Due to forest clearing, gorilla populations have declined by 60% in recent decades. Conservation efforts now protect many gorilla families in national parks and reserves.
Orangutan Habitats and Behaviors
The only great apes native to Asia, orangutans inhabit the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. Specifically, they occupy lowland dipterocarp forests and peat swamp forests. Sadly, extensive deforestation has severely impacted wild orangutans.
An estimated 80% of their habitat has disappeared in the past 20 years.
Orangutans lead solitary lives, coming together only to mate. They spend most of their time in trees foraging, feeding, and sleeping. With about 97% of their diet comprising fruit, orangutans travel widely through forests targeting ripe sources.
Due to shrinking habitats, contact and conflict with humans has increased markedly for these red apes in the past decade.
Documented Feats of Strength
Gorilla Strength Examples
Gorillas are incredibly strong primates, with adult males having been recorded lifting objects over 1800 lbs (800 kg) in weight. In one example, a silverback gorilla at the Henry Doorly Zoo picked up an adult woman who had fallen into his enclosure and carried her to safety.
Although frightening, this demonstrated how easily an adult gorilla can lift a 130 lb (60 kg) human. Researchers have also observed wild mountain gorillas in Africa lifting large fallen trees to clear pathways, with the logs weighing an estimated 1000-1500 lbs (450-700 kg).
Orangutan Strength Examples
Orangutans also have impressive strength relative to their size. While not quite as powerful as gorillas, adult male orangutans have been recorded lifting over 750 lbs (350 kg) in lab tests of grip and pull strength.
In the wild, researchers have watched orangutans bend thick bamboo stalks and branches to build their nests each night. Zookeepers have also learned to secure enclosure doors with non-standard locking mechanisms, as orangutans have been documented unlocking, opening, and even picking locks to escape from enclosures.
Their ingenuity and dexterity combine with their strength to make them formidable primates.
Scientific Strength Tests and Analysis
Muscle Strength Comparisons
When comparing the muscle strength of gorillas and orangutans, gorillas are widely regarded as stronger. According to studies, an adult male gorilla can lift over 1,800 kg (4,000 lbs) during bench press exercises. Their powerful muscles and skeletal structure give them incredible strength.
An adult male orangutan can lift items weighing 90-100 kg (200-220 lbs), displaying significantly less overall body strength.
The difference lies largely in their builds. Gorillas have very broad shoulders, thick necks, and more robust muscular frames to anchor their strength. Comparatively, orangutans have a smaller skeletal system and less sheer body mass from muscles.
Pound for pound, orangutans may display similar strength, but gorillas can leverage more strength across greater muscle volumes.
In the wild, a gorilla’s powerful muscles allow them to easily twist apart strong saplings or bend thick bamboo stalks. Orangutans rely more on their agility and long arms to move through treetops. Gorillas also have stronger bite force measurements.
Bite Force Measurements
Multiple research papers confirm that gorillas have a much higher bite force than orangutans. Adult male gorillas average bite forces over 1,300 psi (pounds per square inch), measured at their back teeth or molars. In contrast, orangutans average bites under 300 psi.
The apes have different chewing muscles and skull shapes that factor into these bite strengths. Gorillas need to grind tough vegetation like fibrous stalks, so they have very thick jaw muscles and broad molars to chomp through it.
Orangutans mainly eat fruits and vegetation that requires less chewing force to eat.
| Physical Attribute | Gorilla Strength | Orangutan Strength |
| Muscle Strength | Can lift 1,800+ kg | Can lift 90-100 kg |
| Bite Force | Over 1,300 psi | Under 300 psi |
While orangutans require less absolute strength in their natural environments, researchers still regard them as incredibly intelligent and resourceful great apes. Their tool-using abilities can compensate in unexpected situations.
However, based on laboratory strength tests and scientific measurements, gorillas appear to have a clear muscular advantage pound for pound.
Conclusion
In summary, by comparing the key physical attributes, natural habitats, and documented capabilities of gorillas and orangutans, the scientific evidence appears to confirm that gorillas are indeed stronger overall.
However, both species have evolved incredible strength and adaptability to thrive in their respective environments. While gorillas may take the edge for brute power, orangutans deserve immense respect for their agility, intelligence, and perseverance as one of our closest primate relatives.
