The Real Ivan

Today we had a wonderful opportunity to talk with a former Columbus Zoo gorilla keeper. Mrs. McEvoy's mother-in-law, Jane, came in to speak to us about her experience working with gorillas.  For 28 years Jane worked as an employee at the Columbus Zoo. About eight of her years were spent working with the gorillas. Jane came with amazing stories, information, and photographs that helped us gain insight on what it is like to work with the amazing gorilla species.

Jane told us about day-to-day duties as a gorilla keeper. She also told us that there are several gorillas that rotate on display at the Columbus Zoo. The gorillas at the Columbus Zoo have a large  habitat that allows them to interact with their gorilla families. Each day the gorilla keepers give the gorillas a puzzle or activity to work on to keep their minds engaged. We learned that gorillas need to be taken care of just like humans and that human doctors actually care for gorillas if they are in need of medical attention.

One part of today's conversation that was very interesting to us was about the real Ivan that we have been reading about in the book The One and Only Ivan. Jane knew the gorilla keepers who cared for the real Ivan at Zoo Atlanta. The real Ivan just passed away in August and she read us the eulogy that was sent from Ivan's keeper and friend. It was interesting for us to learn that the real Ivan displayed very similar characteristics that Katherine Applegate uses to portray Ivan in the story.

You can read about the true story of Ivan here. I will also share the following video of the real Ivan with the fifth graders tomorrow. We have all been touched and inspired by this true story. Although we are not finished with the story yet, I truly believe that through reading The One and Only Ivan that we are learning compassion and empathy for other living beings.

                           

We are so grateful that we had the opportunity to hear from Jane's experience today. She was so kind to take the time out of her day to share her experience with us, as well as, answer our many questions about what it is like to work with gorillas.