The Brutes were more Rhino than Gorillas so you just supported the OP

Furry rhinos with large nostils and no horns? More like gorillas to me

Even though it isn't sourced on halopedian they do bring up how they are more like Rhinos. Bungie clarified that back in the day because people were calling them "space gorillas". I couldn't find anything in my brief look but i can dig something up if you really need to see.

i really dont give a damn what bungie says brutes look like or were modeled after. Bungie shouldve made them bald and given them ivory tusks if they wanted to remotely resemble a rhino [spoiler]i only work at a zoo. Not like i see these animals every day or anything[/spoiler]