Samson (gorilla)
Samson in his enclosure | |
| Species | Western Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) |
|---|---|
| Sex | Male |
| Born | Samson Captured 1949 Wild Born |
| Died | November 27, 1981 (Aged 32) Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US |
| Resting place | Donated to Science |
| Known for | Milwaukee Zoo Main Attraction |
| Residence | Milwaukee County Zoo |
| Parent | Unknown |
| Mate | Terra |
| Offspring | None |
| Weight | 652 lb (296 kg) |
Samson (1949– November 27, 1981) was a male silverback western lowland gorilla given to the Washington Park Zoo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by the Pabst Brewing Company. Samson reached a weight of 652 lb (296 kg) and lived alone in a glass enclosure. He often hit the windows in frustration and managed to break the glass four times. He was moved to the Milwaukee County Zoo in 1959, and quickly became the main attraction. Samson was one of the largest gorillas in captivity.