6/8/2023 0 Comments Macombo gorilla columbusBlood and tissue samples will also be collected to benefit the world zoo community’s efforts to learn more about this endangered species. At that time surgeons felt they obtained clean, wide margins when they removed the mass and until a necropsy (animal autopsy) is performed it is unknown if the cancer contributed to her death. A malignant tumor was removed from under her arm on Dec. Prior to cremation, the Zoo will conduct a complete postmortem examination to further define the cause of death. Colo will be cremated and her ashes buried at an undisclosed location at the Columbus Zoo. Thomas had a long zoo career including 16 years as the director of the Los Angeles Zoo.Ĭolo’s gorilla and animal care family spent time with her body this morning. Thomas also found Colo, still in her amniotic sac, shortly after birth and provided mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to revive the lifeless baby. Despite Director Davis’ concerns that his prized gorillas would hurt each other if kept together, Thomas allowed them to spend time together, which resulted in the birth of Colo. ![]() He defied orders from then-Zoo Director Earl Davis to keep Colo’s parents, Baron Macombo and Millie Christina, apart. Her birth made headlines around the world including the Today show, the New York Times, and Time and Life magazines.Ĭolo’s first keeper, a second-year veterinary student named Warren Thomas, was credited for both Colo’s birth and her survival. She was the first zoo-born gorilla in an era when little was known about conserving the western lowland gorilla but she had the support of a nation behind her. History was made when Colo was born at the Columbus Zoo on December 22, 1956. She was an ambassador for gorillas and inspired people to learn more about the critically endangered species and motivated them to protect gorillas in their native habitat.” “Colo touched the hearts of generations of people who came to see her and those that cared for her over her long lifetime. “At the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium our mantra is to touch the heart to teach the mind,” said Tom Stalf, president and CEO. 22, 2016 Colo celebrated her historic 60 th birthday surrounded by thousands of fans and with birthday wishes coming from around the world. At 60 years of age she was the oldest gorilla on record and exceeded her normal life expectancy by more than two decades. ![]() Newborn Colo in 1956, Colo was named after Columbus, OhioĬolo, the first gorilla born in a zoo and the matriarch of the Columbus Zoo’s famous gorilla family died in her sleep overnight.
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