The question regarding the strength of gorillas has no clear answer. Some state that it can carry up to 2,000 pounds.
Others say it can lift up to 6,000 pounds. There are other claims being made besides these.
Conflicting Information
Unlike other animals and insects, there is no general consensus on this matter. Some scientists are of the opinion that it is 4 to 8 times stronger than most humans. Other estimates have the creature up to 20 times stronger than a man.
The reason cited for this is its upper body. Based on some studies, the body structure allows it to lift more than two tons above its head.
If this estimate is accurate, it would mean that the strength of gorillas is eight times stronger than that of man.
Bench Pressing
There are also varying approximations when it comes to its bench-pressing capability. At the high end are the claims that this primate can lift 3,000 kilograms.
This is attributed to its arms. Aside from using them to support its legs, the arms are much stronger than those of human weight lifters.
However, there are also claims that it is not as strong. Properly trained, a man might be able to bench press more weight. However it could lead to injury, and there is as yet no definitive study on the matter done.
By far the two-ton estimate is regarded as accurate by most. As with human beings, the strength of gorillas may increase with adrenaline. There are reports that gorillas are able to rip apart trees.
Several Types
There are various types of gorillas and this has made it difficult to make a proper judgment on their strength.
According to the African Wildlife Foundation, mountain gorillas and silverback gorillas are ten times stronger than NFL athletes.
With approximations varying between 5 to 20, 10 times stronger than man is the preferred answer.
Other Factors to Consider
Another element that can affect guesstimates is the type of lift. A deadlift, bench press, military press, etc. will produce different results.
The record for a human deadlift weight is 1,000 lbs. Gorillas can probably lift more than that. For a simple bulge lift, the strength of gorillas will likely let it lift a ton or two.
Some researchers are doubtful of the animal’s ability to lift military press style. The reason is that gorillas walk around on all fours.
Its spine and physiology are not designed for standing straight up continuously. It can stand up straight but not for extended periods.
The weight of the animal will also determine how much it can lift. A 400-pound silverback is said to be capable of carrying over 15 times its weight.
However, there are questions concerning their capacity. Apart from the physiology, the muscle geometry of its muscles is not as well designed as that of bears.
The matter of the strength of gorillas can only be settled by further research. With advances in technology, answering this question should not be far off.