John Daniel (gorilla) facts for kids

John Daniel (born 1917, died 1922) was a special lowland gorilla. He was raised by people in a village called Uley in England. His story shows how amazing animals can be and how they can form strong bonds with humans.

John Daniel's Early Life

John Daniel was born in a country called Gabon in Africa. Sadly, his parents died when he was just a baby. He was then brought from Africa to London, England. In 1917, a man named Major Rupert Penny bought him from a department store for £300, which was a lot of money back then! Major Penny lived in Uley, and he brought the baby gorilla there.

Living with a Human Family

From 1918 to 1921, John Daniel lived with Major Penny's sister, Alyce Cunningham. She raised him just like he was her own child. He wasn't kept in a cage; he lived inside the house and was treated as part of the family.

What John Daniel Learned

John Daniel learned many things that human children do. He learned how to use a toilet, how to make his own bed, and even how to drink tea and cider from cups! He was very friendly and often played with the children in the village. He was even allowed to visit the local pub and have a little cider. When Alyce Cunningham traveled to her home in London, John Daniel would go with her. He even attended dinner parties and rode in her convertible car!

A Sad Change in His Life

As John Daniel grew, he became very big and strong. He weighed about 210 pounds (95 kg). In 1921, he became too large for Alyce Cunningham to manage easily. She decided to sell him for £1,100. She was told that he would go to a nice, quiet place in Florida where he could live happily.

John Daniel's Last Days

However, the person who bought John Daniel did not tell Alyce the truth. Instead of going to Florida, John Daniel was sent to work with the Barnum and Bailey Circus. Later, he was moved to the Ringling Zoo in Madison Square Garden in New York City. Being away from his home and Alyce Cunningham made John Daniel very sad and lonely. His health quickly got worse. The zoo tried to help him and even sent for Alyce Cunningham to come see him. Sadly, she couldn't get there in time. John Daniel died at the age of four from a lung illness called pneumonia.

John Daniel's Legacy

After he passed away, John Daniel's body was given to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. He was put on display there in 1922, so people could learn about him.

Remembering John Daniel

Many years later, about a century after John Daniel lived in Uley, the people in the village decided to honor him. They planned to build a statue to remember their special gorilla friend. The local council, Stroud District Council, gave permission for the statue. It was made by an artist named Sebastian Rasch from a type of stone called Portland stone. The statue was officially revealed in 2018, making sure John Daniel's unique story is never forgotten.