Check Out Colo, the Oldest Gorilla in the World
Colo just went under a medical procedure for an uncomfortable growth under her arm — turns out she’s fine but will remain behind the scenes at the gorilla building while she recuperates. We felt this was a great opportunity to showcase Colo in all her glory.
Who is Colo?
Colo was born December 22, 1956 at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium and was the first gorilla born in a zoo. It would be five more years before the next gorilla would be born in a zoo, and another five years before a third gorilla was born in a zoo. Colo is the first and all-time greatest gorilla. She may not know sign language or hang out with Celebrities but she isn’t pretending to be anything but a gorilla.
Why is Colo the G.O.A.T.
Colo is the matriarch to a legit gorilla horde – first giving birth to Emmy, Oscar and Toni. Emmy was the first second-generation gorilla born in a zoo. Toni gave birth to Cora, who was the first third-generation gorilla born in a zoo.
Colo is the mother of three, grandmother of 16, great grandmother of 12, and great great grandmother of three. That’s four generations of gorillas that can all point their boogery fingers at Colo and say, “RkfnggrrTrww ugnnfn.” Since they’re gorillas, they can’t really talk but what they probably mean is “Thanks Nana.”
Why is her name Colo?
COLumbus, Ohio — she reps Columbus more than anyone because her name is based on the city. She is the Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream of Gorillas.
There are 17 endangered lowland gorillas at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, including Colo’s daughter Toni, grandson Mac, granddaughter Cassie, great-granddaughter Dotty and great-grandson JJ.
Photos via Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
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