Timmy (gorilla) facts for kids

Timmy (born around 1959 – died August 2, 2011) was a male western lowland gorilla. He lived for 25 years at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Timmy was a calm "silverback" gorilla, which means he was an adult male with a patch of silver hair on his back. He was later moved to the Louisville Zoo, where he passed away in 2011. He had health problems like heart disease and arthritis.

Timmy: The Oldest Male Gorilla in North America

When Timmy passed away at 52 years old, he was the oldest male gorilla in North America. In his later life, he became a father to more than 12 baby gorillas. These babies were born while he was living at the Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo.

One of Timmy's offspring was with Pattycake (gorilla). Pattycake was famous for being the first gorilla born in New York City. Timmy was also introduced to other female gorillas. His mate in Cleveland, "Kribe Kate," was not able to have babies.

A Big Move and Animal Welfare Concerns

Timmy's move from Cleveland to the Bronx Zoo was a big event. Many people and animal groups were worried about him. They thought moving him away from his companion, Kribe Kate, might be bad for his feelings. They also worried the long trip in a truck could upset him.

An article from United Press International shared these concerns. Timmy's keepers in Cleveland were afraid the separation could make him sad or even sick. They also worried he might become shy and unfriendly again after the move.

Timmy's Journey: From Africa to Zoos

Timmy was born in the wild in Yaounde, Republic of Cameroon, around 1960. He was one of nine young gorillas captured by Dr. Deets Pickett. Dr. Pickett was a veterinarian who became known for capturing gorillas for zoos. He also helped improve how young apes were cared for during transport and in zoos. This helped more gorillas survive in human care.

Learning About Gorillas in the Wild

In a 1964 radio interview, Dr. Pickett said that most gorillas captured at that time did not survive. Many got sick from humans. But Timmy was one of the few who lived. He was sold to the Memphis Zoo for five thousand dollars. Today, a gorilla can be worth much more. In 1981, when Timmy was brought to Cleveland, getting a gorilla from the wild could cost over $100,000.

Timmy's Family Life at the Bronx Zoo

In 1999, the Wildlife Conservation Society opened the "Congo Gorilla Forest" at the Bronx Zoo. This large area is home to about 20 gorillas. The Bronx Zoo had some of the biggest groups of western lowland gorillas in North America.

Timmy became a very successful father at the Bronx Zoo. He had more than twelve babies there. This included offspring with Pattycake (gorilla), who was the first gorilla born in New York City.

A 1994 New York Times article talked about a "gorilla baby boom" at the zoo. The zoo's goal was to help increase the number of this endangered species. They also wanted to make gorillas happier by finding them good mates and creating friendly groups. James Doherty, a curator at the Bronx Zoo, said, "These are very intelligent, sensitive animals."

Retirement at the Louisville Zoo

In 2004, Timmy moved to the Louisville Zoo. He lived in their "Gorilla Forest Exhibit," which is a modern home for gorillas.