The oldest gorilla on the planet has survived cancer, and she can still be found at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Colo is the first gorilla born in a zoo, and she has already lived almost twice as much as most gorillas.
The western lowland gorillas have a life expectancy of roughly 30 to 40 years. However, they can live longer in captivity. Colo is the living proof that the Columbus Zoo has some of the best veterinarians and keepers in the country.
By using various therapeutic techniques and healthy diets, the zoo staff can help these animals overcome even life-threatening conditions, such as cancer. Although Colo had a malignant tumor, the doctors were able to safely remove it during a complicated medical procedure.
Thanks to the latest medical advances, the animals at the Columbus Zoo can live longer. The veterinarians have treated many animals for cancer, dental problems, arthritis, and kidney disease.
Hundreds of visitors and the zoo officials gathered at the Columbus Zoo Thursday to sing Colo “Happy Birthday” as the female gorilla turned 60. Zoo president Tom Stalft said that Colo is one of the zoo’s symbols because many people love her.
Also, there are a few other elderly gorillas across the United States. Ozzie, the oldest living male is 55 years old, and he lives at the Atlanta Zoo. Colo became the oldest gorilla in the world in 2012 when she turned 56.
The zoo officials stress that gorillas across the world are threatened by poaching and habitat loss. Now that many people have heard about Colo, the conservationists and wildlife biologists are doing their best to raise awareness about the current situation of this endangered species.
When Colo was two years old, she was introduced to a male called Bongo, which became her life-long companion and mate for the next 25 years. During this time, they became the parents of three gorillas, a male, and two females. Now, Colo is the grandmother of 16 gorillas and the great-grandmother of twelve others.
According to Audra Meinelt, one of the zoo’s assistant curators, Colo likes to spend most of her time alone in an enclosure specifically designed for her. The oldest gorilla is a picky eater too as she doesn’t like grapes, zucchini, oranges, strawberries, and several other fruits.
Image Source: Wikipedia
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