The silverback has a largely supportive relationship with the infants in his troop and shields them from aggression within the group.

Male gorillas are not active in caring for the young, but they do play a role in socialising them to other youngsters.

Gorilla infants are vulnerable and dependent, thus mothers, their primary caregivers, are important to their survival.

Recently, gorillas have been observed engaging in face-to-face sex, a trait once considered unique to humans and bonobos.

Males incite copulation by approaching a female and displaying at her or touching her and giving a "train grunt".

In multiple-male groups, solicitation indicates female preference, but females can be forced to mate with multiple males.

If the male does not respond, then she will try to attract his attention by reaching towards him or slapping the ground.

This serves to urge the male to mount her.

Females will purse their lips and slowly approach a male while making eye contact. 

Males can be fertile before reaching adulthood. Gorillas mate year round.