Gorillas are male chimpanzees and the forest is their habitation. An old gorilla has had many years of adventure around the forest and is very knowledgeable about the many paths in and around the forest.
This proverb is doing a comparison here. It’s comparing the older generation to the new generation, the young. The older generation knows so much about life – marriage, parenting, career, religion, friendship, etc. – more than the young ones.
This is because they have lived through the many experiences of life or they have passed through the several challenges and conditions of life and are knowledgable about the nooks and crannies of a successful life.
This proverb advises the young generation that since we are new to the paths of life, and we have people who know the paths well, we have to consult with them, listen to their advice, and learn from them so that we will not miss the way to success – successful marriage, career, parenting, etc.
The old generation here refers to our parents and others who are far older than us and are knowledgeable enough to guild us to make good choices in life.
