Haloko

Haloko was a female Western Lowland Gorilla who died on March 17, 2011. She lived to 44 years of age.

Born in Africa on January 1, 1967, she was wild-caught rather than born in captivity. Her parents were both wild gorillas.

Her life in zoos began at Philadelphia Zoo in July 1970, where she lived for nine years. In September 1979, she transferred to the Wildlife Conservation Society, spending a decade there before moving to the National Zoological Park in December 1989.

She spent her final years at the National Zoological Park, where she was euthanized due to congestive heart failure. Her 44-year lifespan represented the full arc of a Western Lowland Gorilla’s life from the wild to captivity.