Colo was the first gorilla born into human care at the Columbus Zoo in 1956, and broke the record for being the longest living gorilla in 2012 at age 56. Colo turns 60 on December 22, and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is inviting you to help celebrate on Thursday from noon – 3 pm!
Colo’s birthday celebration will include games, activities, and food specials in the Columbus Zoo’s Congo River Market food court. A webcast will start at 1:30 p.m. with a video about Colo, and she will make her entrance at her habitat in Congo Expedition at 2 p.m. Colo will explore her decorated habitat, open presents, and enjoy a specially-crafted birthday cake. Space is limited, and guests will move through the habitat in a queue line, or you can watch the livestream broadcast of the celebration on the screens inside the Congo River Market food court.
There is no cost to attend; regular admission fees and parking apply.
If you can’t make it to the Zoo, there will be a live broadcast of the celebration. A commemorative video will air from 1:30 p.m. – 2 p.m., and the livestream broadcast will begin at 2 p.m. when Colo joins the celebration. The livestream ends at 2:30 p.m. Use #ColoGorilla to join the conversation and wish her a “Happy Birthday.”
Colo has a lot to celebrate in addition to her long life and adoring fans. Colo’s family tree has since branched to four generations. Her progeny includes three children, 16 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. She has also just went through a major health scare and had a malignant mass removed from under her arm. The comprehensive medical examination did not indicate the tumor had spread, and no additional treatment is planned.
For more information about Colo’s party as well as the Zoo’s conservation efforts, please visit www.ColumbusZoo.org.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
4850 Powell Rd.
Powell, Ohio 43065
photos courtesy of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
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