Charles the western lowland gorilla died on October 29. He was 52 years old.

It was a sad day for the Toronto Zoo. Charles was loved by staff and visitors alike.

A popular primate

Charles came to the zoo as an orphan from Gabon, Africa. He arrived in 1974, just before the new zoo opened its doors. The young gorilla quickly became a favourite.

When Charles grew up, he became the silverback, the leader of the zoo’s troop of gorillas. He had at least 10 children and six grandchildren.