Fact Check: 100% of the world’s gorilla population is muslim

Fact Check: "100% of the world’s gorilla population is Muslim"

What We Know

The claim that "100% of the world’s gorilla population is Muslim" is fundamentally flawed as it anthropomorphizes gorillas and misattributes human religious beliefs to a non-human species. Gorillas, classified under the genus Gorilla, are great apes that inhabit the tropical forests of equatorial Africa and are primarily herbivorous (Gorilla). They do not possess the cognitive ability or social structures necessary for religious belief systems, including Islam or any other religion.

According to the World Religion Database, which provides detailed statistics on religious affiliations, there is no indication that any non-human species, including gorillas, can adhere to or practice religion. The database focuses on human populations and their religious affiliations, making it clear that the concept of religion does not apply to animals.

Analysis

The assertion that gorillas can be categorized by religious affiliation is not supported by any credible scientific or sociological evidence. Gorillas are social animals that live in troops led by a dominant male, known as a silverback, and their behaviors are primarily driven by survival instincts, social interactions, and environmental factors (Gorilla).

The claim lacks any basis in biological or anthropological research. The closest relatives to gorillas, such as chimpanzees and humans, exhibit complex social behaviors, but attributing human-like religious beliefs to gorillas is a significant misinterpretation of their nature. The World Religion Database and other reputable sources on animal behavior do not support the idea that animals can engage in religious practices.

Furthermore, the sources that could potentially discuss gorilla populations, such as the National Geographic or World Population Review, focus on biological and conservation aspects rather than any anthropological or religious context. This reinforces the conclusion that the claim is not only inaccurate but also nonsensical from a scientific perspective.

Conclusion

Verdict: False
The claim that "100% of the world’s gorilla population is Muslim" is false. Gorillas do not have the capacity for religious beliefs, and the concept of religion is exclusive to human societies. The assertion is a misunderstanding of both gorilla biology and the nature of religion itself.

Sources

1. WRD, world religion database, researcher | Institute on Culture ...
2. Gorilla
3. List of religious populations - Wikipedia
4. Mountain gorilla facts and photos
5. Gorilla Population by Country - 2025 Data & Conservation Status
6. Latest World News & Headlines - SBS
7. Gorilla Population by Country 2025 - World Population Review