Colo, The Gorilla, Celebrates His 53rd Birthday At Columbus Zoo

COLUMBUS, Ohio—The Columbus Zoo is preparing to celebrate a big birthday this week.

Colo, the world’s first gorilla born in a zoo and the oldest gorilla in a zoo will celebrate her 53rd birthday with cake and other special treats Tuesday.

Colo, a western lowland gorilla, made history when she was born at the Columbus Zoo on Dec. 22, 1956. She was the first gorilla born in a zoo and is now the oldest gorilla in any zoo.

Colo has resided at the Columbus Zoo since her landmark birth. Weighing a mere three pounds and five ounces at birth, she became an instant celebrity. Her name came from a national “Name the Baby Gorilla” contest. The winning name, which is short for Columbus, Ohio, was chosen from over 7,500 entries.

Since her birth, Colo continues to be a local, national and worldwide celebrity. In the late 60’s and early 70’s Colo gave birth to three children and now her family tree includes 16 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. While one daughter, two grandchildren and one great grandchild reside at the Columbus Zoo many of Colo’s offspring can be found in zoos across the country.

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