For years my mom's told me stories about when she'd take me to see Bobo. I was born in Seattle in the mid 60s, and every weekday, my mom used to push me in my stroller to the zoo; she did not have a car and we lived near the zoo. She said Bobo would be sitting in his enclosure, ignoring people, and then when he'd see me, he'd come over to me. Mom said other zoo visitors would delight that the gorilla had taken interest in a child and was so close by. She has told me that people would take pictures of him while we were looking at each other. I don't clearly remember these events, but I do recall wishing I could actually play with him and hold his hand.

Thank you so much for writing this article! It's great to know the in-depth history about Bobo. Until now, I have known only the family stories about Bobo.

I was born in Seattle in 1959 and I loved the days when we went to see Bobo at Woodland Park Zoo. He loved to entertain us. I still get teary eyes when i think of him. He brought us such joy. Later, after he died the first thing we went to see at The Museum of History and Industry was Bobo. We went there a lot , it was free in those days. ( as was the Zoo) But Seeing Bobo like that made me feel sad. But, I think it was the right thing to do, so he may be remembered.
I live out of state now but still to this day once in a while I need to see a photo of my beloved Bobo. Today was one of those days. No matter where I live or how much time goes by I will always love you Bobo!

In the early 1950's we visited the zoo. My little sister was sick and died at age 4. She was delighted by Bobo so I hope that knowing he gave children pleasure would help make up for his own unhappy short life. People just didn't know any better back then. I'm not sure we have used any better judgment since then. Elephants, dolphins, and orcas are kept captive in small enclosures. Animals are not on earth for our entertainment.