ONE AND ONLY IVAN

If you’re wondering who is Ivan, you’ve come to the right place. Many people are not aware of the mighty silverback gorilla, Ivan.

Ivan (a gorilla) was captured as an infant, by poachers in what is now the Republic of the Congo. Ivan’s female companion, reported to have been his twin sister, was also captured. Sadly, as soon as she had arrived, she passed away.

In 1964, Ivan was brought to the U.S. He lived in a house in human care until he became unmanageable.

He was then added to a collection of animals in a shopping mall called the B&I, located in Washington state.

Ivan was put in cage for nearly 27 years. Everyday was the same. In his cage he only had a tire swing, an old t.v, and a pool of water.

Despite being put in a cramped cage for nearly his entire life, Ivan kept going, finding new things to do each day. One of his favourite hobbies were painting. Everyday, he was given a bucket of paint or crayons and a stack of paper. Ivan’s painting never got old. His owners considered them as scribbles, but Ivan considered them as something else.

Eventually, the national geographic posted a video about Ivan called the Urban gorilla. A public outcry followed immediately after and Ivans loneliness finally became recognized. Children began sending letters, while the adults protested outside the B&I. Eventually, the shopping mall became bankrupt and Zoo Atlanta took Ivan into care.

He was the beloved gorilla of Zoo Atlanta and lived a long life. He still continued his passion of painting. Ivan, the mighty silverback gorilla, passed away at the age of 50 on August 20, 2012. Ivan will always be remembered for his courage and hope.

Quotes from the book ~ One and Only Ivan

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Let’s build something together.

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