Oldest of zoo gorillas turns 56 in central Ohio

This photo provided by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium shows 56-year-old Colo posing for a photo as she celebrates her birthday, Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012, at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Columbus, Ohio. Colo is the oldest gorilla in any zoo. She was born at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in 1956. / Grahm S. Jones,AP Photo/Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

COLUMBUS, Ohio The first gorilla born in a zoo is turning 56 and celebrating her birthday with some special treats at her central Ohio home.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums says the female western lowland gorilla named Colo is the oldest gorilla in any zoo. She was born at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in 1956.

The zoo marked Colo's birthday Saturday with a cake specially prepared for her and other gifts, including her favorite food, tomatoes. The zoo included guests in the fun by having them sing "Happy Birthday."

Colo is a mother of three. Her family tree includes more than two dozen descendants living at zoos across the country.

[john92021]

she should be let out for good behavior, life is a cruel sentence for an innocent animal.

[micmac666]

It is a sad irony that captive and domesticated animals would not last very long in the wild. People suck.

[123-cbsnews]

Interesting, 56, wow.

[OmegaWolf747]

Happy birthday, Colo!