Colo was a famous western lowland gorilla who resided at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Columbus, Ohio. She was born on December 22, 1956, making her the first gorilla born in captivity. Colo gained international fame due to her historic birth and long life.
Colo's birth was a significant milestone in the field of zoology and captive breeding programs. It marked the first successful birth of a gorilla in captivity, which opened up new possibilities for studying and conserving these endangered animals.
Throughout her life, Colo became an ambassador for her species, drawing visitors from around the world to the Columbus Zoo. She played an important role in educating the public about the conservation challenges facing gorillas in the wild, including habitat loss, poaching, and disease.
Colo lived a long and healthy life, surpassing the typical lifespan of gorillas in the wild. She celebrated her 60th birthday in December 2016, surrounded by zoo staff, visitors, and media attention. Colo passed away on January 17, 2017, at the age of 60. Her death was met with an outpouring of tributes and condolences from around the world, highlighting the impact she had on people's understanding and appreciation of gorillas.
Colo's legacy continues to inspire efforts to conserve and protect gorillas both in captivity and in their natural habitats. She remains an iconic figure in the history of zoology and a beloved symbol of the importance of wildlife conservation.
This photograph was captured by Ray Huffman shortly before her death.