Massa

Massa (1930 - 28th December 1984) was a western lowland gorilla, known for being the oldest living gorilla in the world until his death 1984. He was also the oldest known gorilla ever until 2007-8 when Jenny surpassed him.

He was born in Ghana and taken to America at a young age. His original owner was Gertrude Lintz, who kept him until 1935, when, after spilling water on Massa, which started her severely, she sold him to the Philadelphia Zoo. He weighed over 28 stone in his prime. He continued living at the Philadelphia Zoo until his death on the 28th December 1984, at the age of 54. This was following a party in his honour which included a cake and a live Dixieland band. He was buried at the zoo after his death of a stroke.

The film Buddy was based off Massa’s life as well as Buddy, a fellow gorilla belonging to Gertrude Lintz.