MEET JOE THE GORILLA

What kind of Gorilla are you?
Like every other captive gorilla except for 3 individuals, I am a western lowland gorilla. Clearly a stutterer gave us our scientific name, which is: gorilla gorilla gorilla. Two eastern lowland gorillas live in Antwerp, Belgium (they are gorilla gorilla graueri). And one very rare Cross River gorilla named Nyango lives in a sanctuary in Cameroon (gorilla gorilla diehli). My boss-lady Jane knows every gorilla in captivity almost. She's a real nut job!

Where were you born and where do you live now?
Sadly, I don't remember where I was born, but my red hair on my big saggital crest makes some think it was Cameroon or Gabon in West Africa some time in 1963. After years of living in zoos, I finally lucked out and now live in paradise, where I have my own Gorilla Villa and acres to roam in. The place is called GORILLA HAVEN (http://www.gorilla-haven.org/) and I'm treated like the King I am here.

Who is your best friend?
That would have to be my caregiver, Kelly. She spoils me, as I so richly deserve.

What is your favorite thing to do?
Eating and farting take up a lot of my day. But I love to sit outside in my grassy habitat and enjoy the sunshine and fresh mountain air, although I do get quite annoyed if a bird or squirrel enters my domaine - like I'd wanna share it with them??

Anything else you would like your friends to know about you?
I am the 4th oldest male gorilla in captivity at 46 years old. The oldest gorilla ever was a lady named Jenny who died last year at 55 years of age. I hope to beat her record and I have a very good chance! Wish me luck!