If you are on the hunt for a gorilla stuffed animal, your search is over. Online stores have an exquisite 32 inch tall Silverback gorilla stuffed animal that is so lifelike, it’s a little eerie. They also have an equally lovely 18 inch tall hanging plush gorilla that is able to clasp his hands together making his arms into a loop. If you or you child are partial to wildlife plush, then either of these gorilla stuffed animals is for you.

Fossil records have shown that ape descendants originated 25 million years ago in Africa and then dispersed through Europe and Asia. During what is referred to as the Miocene Era (23 million years ago), 15 types of apes that lived in such places as Italy and Greece, have been identified. A group of wild gorillas was discovered 2,500 years ago by an expedition that was travelling from the Phoenician merchant city of Carthage to the western coats of Africa. In addition, an English Sailor in the 16th century, spoke of seeing man-like apes (which would be chimps and gorillas today) that came to the campsite in West Africa where he was being held captive.

In 1902, a German officer by the name of Captain Robert von Beringe, first discovered mountain gorillas at a time when only lowland gorillas were known to exist. The subspecies name of the mountain gorilla actually comes from his last name Gorilla beringei beringei.
In 1959, the first documented research of gorillas took place by George Schaller. His book, entitled The year of the Gorilla, was one of the first to dispel the various myths that surrounded these great apes. For instance, due to their intimidating appearance, strength, and displays of chest-beating, gorillas had been given a ferocious stereotype. Movies, in particular, have continued to perpetuate this false stereotype. Gorillas, in fact, are actually gentle by nature.

In 1963, Diane Fossey began her now very famous research, study and conservation of mountain gorillas. She went on to publish a book entitled Gorillas in the Mist in 1983 which was made into a movie in 1986. Because of her book and the subsequent film, gorilla conservation was finally given the worldwide attention it deserved.

That wildlife plush collection you so greatly admire, is waiting for a a gorilla stuffed animal to make its home with all the other soft toys. And, contrary to what you might have thought previously, that gorilla stuffed animal will only fit in with animals that have amiable dispositions. With that said, try and keep your lion and tiger plush separate!