Samson, a male Western Lowland Gorilla, was born in 1960 in Africa and later brought to the Brookfield Zoo in 1980 on a breeding loan from the Buffalo Zoo. During his time at the Brookfield Zoo, Samson became a beloved attraction known for his gentle nature and ability to read the moods of his caretakers.

Samson’s Family and Offspring

Samson had a total of five offspring with two female gorillas, Alpha and Babs, during his time at the Brookfield Zoo. Here are the details of his children:

Name	Birth Year	Current Status
Becky	1981	Died in 2011
Aquilina	1981	Died in 2000
Jabari	1985	Died in 2013
Kwizera	1988	Currently resides at the Memphis Zoo
Kwisha	1988	Currently resides at the Toledo Zoo

Samson’s offspring were an important part of his legacy and the Brookfield Zoo’s gorilla breeding program.

Samson’s Health Issues and Death

Towards the end of his life, Samson developed several health issues, including a brain tumor, which significantly impacted his quality of life at the zoo. He was taken off exhibit six weeks before his death due to slowed activity and reduced vision. Eventually, Samson became completely blind and was unable to move. On March 17, 1988, at the age of 28, Samson was euthanized due to his terminal condition.

Samson’s Legacy

Despite his untimely death, Samson’s legacy lives on through his offspring and the impact he had on the Brookfield Zoo and its visitors. His story highlights the importance of proper care and management of animals in captivity, ensuring they live a healthy and fulfilling life.

Samson was a beloved figure at the Brookfield Zoo, and his gentle nature and ability to connect with his caretakers made him a favorite among visitors. His passing was a significant loss for the zoo, but his memory continues to inspire the importance of animal welfare and conservation efforts.

Unique Characteristics of Samson the Gorilla

Samson was known for several unique characteristics that set him apart from other gorillas at the Brookfield Zoo:

1. Gentle Nature: Samson was renowned for his calm and gentle demeanor, which allowed him to form strong bonds with his caretakers and interact with visitors in a way that was both engaging and educational.

2. Ability to Read Moods: Samson had a remarkable ability to sense and respond to the moods of his caretakers, often adjusting his behavior to match the emotional state of the people around him.

3. Breeding Success: Samson’s breeding success at the Brookfield Zoo was a testament to the zoo’s commitment to conservation and the well-being of its animals. His offspring continue to contribute to the genetic diversity of gorilla populations in captivity and the wild.

4. Terminal Illness: Samson’s battle with a brain tumor and his eventual euthanasia due to his terminal condition highlighted the challenges and ethical considerations involved in the care of animals in captivity.

Conclusion

Samson the Gorilla’s story is a testament to the importance of animal welfare and conservation efforts in zoos and other captive settings. His gentle nature, ability to connect with his caretakers, and breeding success made him a beloved figure at the Brookfield Zoo, and his legacy continues to inspire visitors and animal enthusiasts alike.

References

1. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/133710185/samson-_0137-gorilla
2. https://www.czs.org/custom.czs/media/CenterAnimalWelfare/Tropic-World-family-timeline.pdf
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBp5Opsax4I
4. https://www.chicagotribune.com/1988/03/19/brain-tumor-fells-zoos-beloved-gorilla-samson/