Massa (gorilla)

Massa (c. 1930 – November 6, 1981) was a western lowland gorilla who resided at the Philadelphia Zoo. He is believed to be the oldest gorilla in captivity at the time of his death.

Born in the wild, Massa was captured in West Africa and brought to the Philadelphia Zoo in 1931. His exact age at the time of his capture is unknown, but estimates place his birth around 1930. He spent the remainder of his life at the zoo, becoming a well-known and beloved figure.

Massa was known for his longevity, as gorillas in captivity typically lived shorter lives at the time. His extended lifespan was attributed to the care he received at the zoo, including a carefully managed diet and veterinary attention. He exceeded the typical lifespan for gorillas, contributing to scientific understanding of gorilla aging.

Over the years, Massa fathered several offspring, though none survived to adulthood. His influence on the gorilla population at the Philadelphia Zoo was therefore limited to his presence and popularity.

Massa's death in 1981 at the estimated age of 51 was widely reported. He was mourned by zoo staff and visitors alike, representing a significant loss for the zoo community. His long life provided valuable insights into gorilla care and aging, furthering the knowledge base for zoological institutions managing gorilla populations. His skeleton is preserved in the collections of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.