
The social link between female gorillas and humans
Female gorillas actively avoid males they grew up with when relocating, likely to prevent inbreeding.
Instead, they seek out other females they have previously known, especially those they have spent at least five years with or seen within the last two years.
This preference for familiar females helps ease the transition into a new group by providing a social ally and potentially indicating positive aspects of the new group.
The research suggests that gorillas, much like humans, maintain significant social relationships that extend beyond immediate group boundaries, highlighting the importance of extended social networks.

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