The Little Rock Zoo announced the passing of Trudy, the oldest member of their Western Lowland gorilla group, and at the time of her passing, the oldest living Western Lowland gorilla living in a zoo. Trudy outlived most of her counterparts in zoos around the world and in the wild by making it to the age of 63.
A member of the Little Rock Zoo family for over thirty-one years, Trudy came to Little Rock from the Buffalo Zoo on April 3, 1988. She arrived with gorilla Ollie on a breeding loan and the two settled in and made the Little Rock Zoo their home. Together, Trudy and Ollie made Little Rock a special place by being the first gorillas ever exhibited in the State of Arkansas.
Trudy’s story is a unique one as she was one of the last “wild-caught” gorillas to be held in a zoo in the United States. This is no longer done by AZA-accredited zoos. Generally, gorillas in North America today are born in zoos.
When described by one of her former keepers, Syd Tanner, Trudy was called a “hardy gal that did what she wanted to do when she wanted.” Trudy was unusual in the fact that she always lived with the bachelors or all-male groups. Even though she lived with all males, she ruled everything and was the boss lady, according to Tanner.
“There are so many memories, stories, and anecdotes to share about Trudy. She is a cherished member of the Little Rock Zoo family. To say that she will be missed and that her absence is felt is an understatement. We are glad to know she had a good home with us here,” said Little Rock Zoo Director Susan Altrui.
The Zoo will honor Trudy's memory by hanging a memorial floral wreath outside her exhibit, everyone is welcome to come to see it. They are also asking for donations to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International to honor Trudy's memory. To donate, click here.