Almost all gorillas in zoos are of the western lowland subspecies (G. g. gorilla) which are distinct from the eastern gorillas in both habitat and morphology. The western gorillas are typically more slender, have lighter and shorter fur than their eastern and mountain counterparts. Male gorillas can reach up to 6 ft in height and over 400 lbs. Females are usually half the size. All gorillas are primarily vegetarians with their diet consisting of fruits and vegetation, with occasional insects and grubs. I modeled my piece based on Shabani, a popular silverback at the Higashiyama zoo in Nagoya, Japan, who has become famous for being handsome, photogenic, and an "ikemen" (Japanese term to describe metrosexual men). My thanks again to the Ceramic Art Studio and Shop.
Wet clay model
