COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium closed the zoo entrance Tuesday after Colo the gorilla was found strolling through a zoo building hallway.
NBC 4 reported with the FAST FACTS.
The 52-year- old grand dame took advantage of an improperly secured door Tuesday morning and took a stroll through the hallway used by keepers, the zoo said in a release.
Remaining calm throughout her escapade, Colo was coaxed into her habitat by keepers who lured her back with yogurt and the rare treat of a cup of Coca-Cola.
Although Colo was secure within the building, zoo staff followed standard operating procedures for animal emergencies by asking visitors to leave the area and closing the zoo’s entrance.
After approximately 45 minutes, the zoo resumed normal operation.
“At the time of the incident, the zoo’s veterinarians were in the adjacent break room discussing plans to give Colo her health check-up,” director Jeff Swanagan said. “Colo apparently overheard them and decided to join the conversation.”
There currently are 14 endangered lowland gorillas at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, including Colo, her daughter Toni, grandson Mac, granddaughter Cassie and great-granddaughter Dotty.
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