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Off the Leash Off the Leash

World’s oldest gorilla turns 56

Despite doomsday, Colo marks major milestone.

By Vetstreet Dec 21, 2012 3:29PM

Assuming the world doesn’t end today (as predicted by a Mayan prophecy), Ohio’s Columbus Zoo plans to party: It’s celebrating Colo the gorilla’s 56th birthday this weekend.

The first gorilla to be born at a zoo, Colo is the oldest known gorilla in the world. That record was last held by Jenny at the Dallas Zoo, who died at age 55 in 2008.

Photo: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium // Colo the gorilla turns 56 on Dec. 22.While zoo visitors serenade her with happy birthday wishes this weekend, Colo will indulge in a specially made cake and her favorite food — tomatoes.

Related: Rudolph really had a red nose

This accomplished Western gorilla is the mother of three, grandmother of 16, great grandmother of seven and great-great grandmother of two.

Bing: See photos of baby gorillas.

Photo: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium // Colo the gorilla turns 56 on Dec. 22.

More from Vetstreet:
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Britney Spears, Jimmy Fallon & Taylor Swift’s Pets Among the 11 Top Celeb Pets of 2012
7 Cats Who Hate Wearing Sweaters
Video: Playtime for Baby Monkey and Baby
Photos: Comfort Dogs Help the Grieving Town of Newtown, Connecticut

60Comments
Dec 21, 2012 4:13PM
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She is 100% stunning.  May she live many more years.
Dec 21, 2012 4:36PM
Dec 21, 2012 4:22PM
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Now that's a hot chick at any age !
Dec 21, 2012 4:34PM
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She is one wonderful lady!! Welcome  to the 56/56 club. I joined in March!!
Dec 21, 2012 4:55PM
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happy birthday!!! hopefully you're having happy years!!!
Dec 21, 2012 5:07PM
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I saw here a few years back at the Columbus zoo... very special...
Dec 21, 2012 5:13PM
Dec 21, 2012 3:53PM
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what is wrong with you people the mayans never predicted the end of the world stop the scare tactics on feeble minds they only stated it was the end of the calanders point as it was to turn over you guys sicken me for the hype you make on nothing truthful!
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