ST. LOUIS — Some residents may recall Phil the Gorilla, who arrived at the Saint Louis Zoo on September 9, 1941, as a 25-pound toddler and lived there until he died on December 1, 1958.
Over 80 years have passed since Phil first called the Saint Louis Zoo home, and during this time, significant changes have been made to the gorilla habitats to better meet their needs. Those who remember Phil from earlier years may remember the iconic ape house that was part of the zoo when he lived there.
According to the 2009 book “Animals Always: 100 Years at the Saint Louis Zoo,” Phil had a man-made tree and an automobile tire in the Ape House that he would climb and play on.
Constructed in 1939, the structure lacked public indoor space, requiring visitors to observe Phil through glass walls from the outside. When the weather permitted, the walls were raised, leaving only bars between the public and Phil.
During these moments, Phil would engage in one of his most memorable antics—splashing water from his pool onto unsuspecting visitors.