Could an Apex Predator grow into an intelligent society?

Humans don't exist, at least... not here. Instead we have [Insert non-lame animal name here:].

They're not too bright, but also could be considered vaguely self aware, about Gorilla level intelligence. They're roughly bipedal, but can get quite a trot going on all fours. They're thick skinned and durable, and can withstand blunt-force impact similar to being hit by a truck.

They're furry tanks, basically.

Obviously such a predator would be hard, if not impossible, to kill without an overwhelming numbers advantage and would most likely be the dominant species on the planet (as well as an absolute monster of an apex predator)... but with no threats to their position in the food chain, would they develop into what could be considered an advanced civilisation?

Would there be any reason to develop tools, invent things, if there was no survival requirement involved? Or would they stagnate and remain ape-like forever, like politicians?

Edit

Forgetting the Gorilla comparison, the question I'm asking is whether an intelligent, tool using, engine building, airplane flying civilisation could develop from a species that had few, if any, external threats? Assuming that humans developed the way you did in order to improve survival chances in a world where we weren't the toughest kid in school, would the toughest kid in school bother to develop in a similar way?

posted over 7 years ago

Wompguinea‭

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