January 17, 2017 – RIP Colo, American western lowland gorilla, first gorilla born in captivity and oldest recorded (b. 1956). Colo passed away in her sleep overnight at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio, less than a month after celebrating her birthday.  She was born at the zoo in December 1956 and is believed to be the first gorilla ever born in captivity. Colo, a Western lowland gorilla, lived for more than 20 years longer than the average captive gorilla. Despite recently having a malignant tumour removed, zookeepers said that she had been recovering well and the cause of her death had yet to be determined. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium said in a statement that Colo was "an ambassador for gorillas" who "inspired people to learn more about the critically endangered species". Didja know? She was briefly called "Cuddles" before a contest was held to officially name her. (Mrs. Howard Brannon of Zanesville, Ohio, won the contest.) Colo's name was derived from the place of her birth, Columbus, Ohio.