persephone Posted July 19, 2013 Share Posted July 19, 2013 flickr link to someone's photos of RIGO Rigo was born in 1970 .... when I lived in melbourne , and used to visit the Zoo each Sunday morning , for many years - Rigo & I always had a few minutes 'communication', as back then at 9 am ... zoos were pretty much deserted , and animals would behave differently ..there really was opportunity to see/smell/communicate with many of them :) Rigo would watch for me - he'd sit, and I'd stand sort of side on , and glance at each other ...sometimes he would look me in the eye and connect.... it was lovely, being the only person in those early mornings ...to be able to hear the faint sounds missing when a crowd hovers, to indulge in the oniony/sweaty scent of morning gorilla ...and to sort of share the eating of breakfast across the safety barrier :0 I remember the joy when Rigo was used to father Mzuri .... and the fun of watching Mzuri grow ... Rigo was so handsome , and reminded me of a tragic poet when he was sentenced to "solitary" for anti-social behaviour .It was heartbreaking to see him at this time ..he just withdrew and was depressed .... I hope now he is with his ancestors , struttin' his stuff , looking so muscled and glorious ... roam free now, Rigo..no more stone caves or barriers - no more brash young men taunting you into defending yourself ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alyosha Posted July 19, 2013 Share Posted July 19, 2013 Sad for such a grand gentleman to be gone so suddenly. There are some beautiful photos of him around online today. I feel for those like you Perse who had a connection with him, as well as his keepers past and present. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted July 19, 2013 Author Share Posted July 19, 2013 Aloysha .. If he went as they said .. instant collapse , then I am glad - it seems preferable to being old and/or ill and uncomfortable . is it weird to be crying over this death more than I have over some humans ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Are You Serious Jo Posted July 19, 2013 Share Posted July 19, 2013 I didn't know Rigo personally but I know he was an awesome silverback and he will be deeply missed. Sympathies to his keepers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rainers Posted July 19, 2013 Share Posted July 19, 2013 Oh no, just saw this I haven't seen Rigo for ages and will definitely miss seeing him Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grizabella Posted July 19, 2013 Share Posted July 19, 2013 I'm so sorry Perse, you obviously had a special relationship with him. I was only lucky enough to visit Rigo a few times, but he made a huge impression on me and was a big reason why I love gorillas so much. Spending quiet moments in Rigo's presence will always be a special memory to me, he was truly a special gorilla. The gorilla keepers must be absolutely devastated to lose him so suddenly. It must be so hard for them, and for Rigo's gorilla family. Rigo lives on in his son Ya Kwanza/Mzuri, grandson Mapema, and four great-grandchildren. Ya Kwanza looks so much like Rigo, he has the same handsome face. Farewell Rigo by PANgrizabella, on Flickr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alyosha Posted July 19, 2013 Share Posted July 19, 2013 I thought the same Perse - he left the world still a grand and proud figure and didn't suffer by the sound of it. And re your spoiler: Not at all. He obviously touched you deeply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted July 19, 2013 Author Share Posted July 19, 2013 I'm so sorry Perse, you obviously had a special relationship with him. I was only lucky enough to visit Rigo a few times, but he made a huge impression on me and was a big reason why I love gorillas so much. Spending quiet moments in Rigo's presence will always be a special memory to me, he was truly a special gorilla. The gorilla keepers must be absolutely devastated to lose him so suddenly. It must be so hard for them, and for Rigo's gorilla family. Rigo lives on in his son Ya Kwanza/Mzuri, grandson Mapema, and four great-grandchildren. Ya Kwanza looks so much like Rigo, he has the same handsome face. Farewell Rigo by PANgrizabella, on Flickr That's just beautiful :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirislin Posted July 19, 2013 Share Posted July 19, 2013 I didn't know he'd been at Melbourne all these years. For some reason I thought he'd been sent elsewhere years ago. What a sad life he had. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grizabella Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 I'm so glad that his final years were with a gorilla family, but why it took so long is beyond me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rozzie Posted July 20, 2013 Share Posted July 20, 2013 A very dignified and awesome gorilla. RIP Rigo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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