Jenny, the oldest gorilla in captivity, a Western Lowland primate, has been put to sleep due to an inoperable tumour in her stomach. It had been a tough decision for officials at the Dallas Zoo because they have had her for 55 years and that's a LONG time!
Jenny at her 55th birthday party in May, 2008
Photo credit: Tony Gutierrez, AP
Jenny, who weighed 218 pounds, just celebrated her 55th birthday this past May where the Zoo threw a birthday party for her. Gorillas in the wild normally live up to 30 - 35 years old but gorillas in captivity could live longer due to a protected environment and access to veterinary care. Even so, according to records, of the approximately 360 gorillas in zoos in North America right now, only four were over fifty years old this spring, including Jenny.
The distinction of being the oldest gorilla in captivity has gone to Colo, a 51-year-old female gorilla at Columbus Zoo.
Sources:
Chron.com
USA Today
WDTN.com
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