In search of John Daniel

Last week I wrote about the brief life and death of John Daniel, the "civilized gorilla." I wanted to know more about him, chiefly whether I could still see him at the AMNH or not, so I sent a query to the museum. Here's the information I got back;

Gorilla gorilla gorilla

From: Barnum and Bailey

Gender: Male

Museum #: 54084

Mounted on exhibit, 3rd floor Primates Hall

He's still there (or, rather, his skin is), behind glass in the gorilla-poop-colored display in the Hall of Primates. In about two weeks I'll be heading into the city, to see the Japanese macaques at the Central Park Zoo in the morning and the AMNH in the afternoon, and I will be sure to pay him a visit.

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Hi there, I read your comments and share your interest in John Daniel Gorilla, Alyce Cunningham was my husband's, (Tim Penny)great aunt on his grandmother's side,Major Rupert Penny was his great uncle on his grandfather's side We hold original documents and photos of the much loved John Daniel. Feel free to contact me if you wish. Kind regards, Sonia

By Sonia Chivers (not verified) on 07 May 2009 #permalink

Hi there, I read your comments and share your interest in John Daniel Gorilla, Alyce Cunningham was my husband's, (Tim Penny)great aunt on his grandmother's side,Major Rupert Penny was his great uncle on his grandfather's side We hold original documents and photos of the much loved John Daniel. Feel free to contact me if you wish. Kind regards, Sonia

By Sonia Chivers (not verified) on 07 May 2009 #permalink

Hi Sonia - get in touch with me as I also have an old home movie of John Daniel filmed in London. This is probably a dupe from the original film which was taken by the Cunningham's. The film I have once was owned by J.H. McGregor from Columbia University. The title of the film is: "Young Gorilla John Daniel I Filmed in London". I have other footage of other famous gorillas and am looking for someone to create a documentary of these famous gorillas as I have about 90 minutes of raw footage. I'd be interested in what documents you possess. Regards, Shawn

Hi Shawn, how do I contact you? Regrds Sonia

By Sonia Chivers (not verified) on 25 Jun 2009 #permalink