Chest beating is a powerful tool in the gorilla’s communication arsenal. Both males and females engage in this behavior, but it is more pronounced in males due to their larger size and the presence of air sacs in the chest and throat that enhance the sound. When a gorilla beats its chest it is often a display of aggression, particularly by the silverback males who lead gorilla groups. When faced with an intruder, a silverback may engage in chest beating as part of a larger display that includes vocalizations and short charges. This intimidating behavior is designed to protect the group by discouraging any potential aggression from outsiders, whether they are other gorillas or humans.

Chest beating is also a part of the social rituals that maintain the hierarchy within a gorilla group. It is often accompanied by other behaviors such as running sideways, tearing at vegetation, and slapping the ground. These displays help reinforce the structure of the group. Chest beating is a multifaceted behavior that plays a crucial role in the social dynamics of gorillas.