Gigi

Gigi (13th July 1972 - 1st December 2019) was a western lowland gorilla who was one of the oldest gorillas in the United States of America and the oldest gorilla in Franklin Park Zoo until her death on the 1st December 2019. She was born in Cincinnati Zoo on the 13th July 1972 and moved to Stone Zoo in 1980. She gave birth to two sons, Quito (1981-2013) and Kubandu (1982-1997), before being transferred to the Franklin Park Zoo’s new Tropical Forest Pavilion in 1989. Gigi was popular with visitors, who would enjoy hearing stories about her and watch her carry her grandchildren on her back. Erica Farrell, the Tropical Forest’s assistant curator, reflected on Gigi’s playful behavior in a statement. “If Gigi really liked you, she would turn her back and sit next to you at the exhibit glass — checking every so often to make sure you were still there,” Farrell said. “She played an integral role in our gorilla troop and has a special place in all of her caretaker’s hearts. We are all going to miss her.”

The zoo stated Gigi acted as a grandmother figure for unrelated gorillas, including two sisters she raised in the 2010s. She would enjoy playing with her stuffed purple monkey with banana print. In her last years, especially 2019, she developed several health problems and she underwent a successful ureteral stent procedure in May 2019 to improve her quality of life. However after she became lethargic, had a decreased appetite and decreased mobility, she was humanely euthanised by zoo officials. Many staff and visitors expressed their sadness upon hearing about her death.

Two of her siblings, Samantha and Ramses I, also lived long lives, both surpassing 50. She was all related to Amani, who is currently 49, as she is Ramses I mate.

At the time of her death, she was one of the oldest gorillas in America, after Helen, Ozoum, Choomba, Samantha, Demba and Amanda.