Pattycake, the beloved New York City dwelling gorilla died at her home in the Bronx Zoo on Sunday, March, 31, 2013. The cause of her death was listed as heart disease. Pattycake was 40 years old which is about three years above average age for a gorilla. Pattycake was a top attraction at the zoo due to her charming personality and her long-standing image of hope as a baby born during a time when life in New York was far from ideal.
Pattycake was born September 3, 1972 at the Central Park Zoo. She was the first gorilla born in captivity in NYC and the story of her birth was a bright spot in the news during a time when New York City was struggling economically and socially. Pattycake was unique in that she was born in captivity and raised by her parents instead of human zookeepers. Prior to her birth most young gorillas were cared for by human handlers. However, when Pattycake was only six months old her arm was accidently broken by her parents. The young gorilla subsequently had to undergo surgery to mend her broken arm and the media and the entire city followed her recovery with concern and well wishes. Pattycake remained at the Central Park Zoo with her parents until 1983 when she was relocated to the Bronx Zoo.
Throughout Pattycake’s life, first at the Central Park Zoo and then at the Bronx Zoo, she was a favorite attraction among the public—children in particular took a special interest in her. Pattycake was fond of children too. Over the course of her life she birthed ten babies, including twins who were born in 1995. Presently, her offspring are living at zoos all across the country.
Although Pattycake is gone her impact on the city has left a lasting legacy. Many people remember her as an icon of the city. She was such a living landmark that her death was even reported in the prestigious New York Times newspaper. There are still many gorillas living at the Bronx Zoo and each one will undoubtedly leave their own imprint on the hearts of visitors. Yet Pattycake was the first gorilla to be born in NYC and that honor makes her an undisputed legend for all time.
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