2012-12-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — Colo, Queen of the Columbus Zoo, Celebrates 56th Birthday
WHAT: Colo’s 56th Birthday Celebration.
WHO: Festivities are open to Zoo members and anyone who pays general Zoo admission on the day of the event.
WHEN: Saturday, December 22, 2012 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE: Expedition Congo, African Forest region of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Media should come to the Zoo’s Business Office located on Jerry Borin Trace north of the Zoo. Media is asked to call in advance to arrange escort to the area and interviews with animal care staff.
WHY: Colo, the first gorilla born in human care, oldest gorilla in any zoo and queen of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is celebrating her 56th birthday and wants to share her special day with Zoo members and guests. Festivities kick off at 11 a.m. and include plenty of cake for our guests and gorillas to enjoy!
Colo has resided at the Columbus Zoo since her landmark birth in 1956. Her name came from a national “Name the Baby Gorilla” contest. The name Colo, which is short for Columbus Ohio, was chosen from more than 7,500 entries.
In the late 60’s and early 70’s Colo gave birth to three children and now her family tree includes 16 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. While one daughter, two grandchildren and one great grandchild reside at the Columbus Zoo many of Colo’s descendants can be found in zoos across the country.
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CONTACT:
Jennifer Wilson
Communications Manager
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is home to more than 10,000 animals representing over 575 species from around the globe. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Safari Golf Club. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also operates the Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a regional attraction with global impact; contributing more than $1 million annually to support over 70 conservation projects worldwide. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Columbus Zoo has earned Charity Navigator’s prestigious 4-star rating.