Colo, the oldest known Gorilla in the United States, has died at the age of 60.
She died in her sleep less than one month after her 60th birthday. An autopsy is planned to determine her cause of death, but at this time she is believed to have died from natural causes.
In 1956, Colo was the first Gorilla ever born in a zoo. She lived more than two decades longer than the average western lowland Gorilla.
Hundreds of people gathered at the Columbus Zoo for her birthday last month. Even the beloved actress Betty White sent out a special video message for Colo on her birthday.
On Dec. 22, a star was born! From one Golden Girl to another: Happy 60th Birthday #ColoGorilla. Thanks @BettyMWhite! pic.twitter.com/nT3sWddgu3
— Columbus Zoo (@ColumbusZoo) December 19, 2016
The Columbus Zoo plans to have Colo cremated and buried on their premises.