Young Gorillas Transition To Adulthood
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Around 3-years-old, young gorillas achieve independence from their mothers—who will, after a short period of rest, soon give birth to a new generation. Despite newfound maturity, the young gorilla will maintain a close relationship with their mother.
The transition to adulthood is different for each gender: Females reach sexual maturity around 10-years-old, and will leave their troop to join a new partner. Females often transfer between several groups until finding a suitable Silverback to settle down and reproduce with. It is uncertain when male gorillas reach sexual maturity in the wild. However, captivity statistics approximate this number to lie around 7 years of age. In male gorillas, puberty lasts several years, during which time a younger