At his death in 1948, Alfred was the longest lived gorilla in captivity anywhere in the world and a true animal celebrity.From his arrival at Bristol Zoo Gardens in 1930, Alfred the Gorilla was destined for stardom, becoming an icon for the city through times of peace and war, as well as an international animal star. He became renowned for his dislike for bearded men, double-decker buses and aeroplanes and his antics in his enclosure. During the war years of the 1940s thousands of postcards of Alfred were posted back to the USA from servicemen billeted in the city, so spreading his star status across the globe. At his death in 1948 he was the longest living gorilla in captivity anywhere in the world. He is now one of the star attractions on display at the museum. His story demonstrates the changing attitudes people have had towards animals and the natural world.
Alfred the Gorilla
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Comments
One of my earliest childhood memories. I was 3 yrs 5 months. Sitting at the top of the stairs of our home, with my sister, in Bristol. My father came through the front door, (bright April sunshine,) And called through to my mother in the kitchen: I `m not coming home for lunch. `I`m going to the zoo. ALfred`s died!` My mother`s laughter from the kitchen. My sister and I chuckling. Why did we find it funny? Not sure. My father was Joseph Yoffey, Professor of Anatomy at Bristol. The anatomy department had first claim on the body, I think, and hoped to dissect him. Not sure what happened next except they discovered he had TB. Every time I see sad Alfred`s face I remember our home ringing with laughter - and the april sunshine.