Ohio mourns loss of Colo, world’s oldest gorilla in captivity

Remembrances and condolences have poured into the Columbus Zoo for Colo, the world’s first gorilla born in captivity and oldest known living gorilla in the U.S. who died this week.

Colo’s passing comes less than a month after her 60th birthday.

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During Colo’s birthday celebration last month, hundreds of people filed into the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium to celebrate with Colo.

On the Columbus Zoo’s Facebook page, thousands of people have expressed sadness over her death this week.

“Oh, sweet Colo, I remember visiting you after you were born. I was 8. And now as a 68-year old I say ‘good-bye’ to you. So sad, but I’m happy for the rich life you lived and for everything you taught us,” Doris Oursler wrote on the zoo’s post announcing Colo’s death.

Colo had been a marvel to Columbus Zoo patrons and zoologists around the country as she surpassed the life expectancy of gorillas by nearly two decades.

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Colo was on exhibit for visitors on Monday, when the zoo offered free admission for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Colo’s body will be cremated and her ashes will be placed within the zoo.

Colo is the second zoo gorilla to die in Ohio this month. One of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s gorillas, a 32-year-old named Bebac, died on Jan. 6.

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Zoo experts say animals in human care are living longer, due to early diagnosis and improvements in medical care technology.

The oldest known living male gorilla, Ozzie, is 55 years old and lives at the Atlanta Zoo.

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