Remembering Samson: Milwaukee’s Most Beloved Gorilla
April 25, 2025
Long before social media made animals go viral, Milwaukee had Samson — a gentle giant who captured the hearts of an entire city. For over 30 years, Samson wasn’t just the star of the Milwaukee County Zoo — he was Milwaukee.
🍼 Samson’s Journey to Milwaukee
Shortly after arriving at the Washington Park Zoo in 1951, young Samson clung tightly to the skirt of his nursemaid, Mrs. Edith Scott. In her arms, she also held Sambo, another young gorilla who sadly passed away in 1959.
Samson was born in 1949 in the wilds of Africa. At just a young age, he was captured and brought to the United States — arriving at the Milwaukee County Zoo in 1950.
From the moment he arrived, visitors were mesmerized. Standing tall and weighing over 600 pounds, Samson was one of the largest gorillas ever in captivity. But it wasn’t just his size that made him a legend — it was the way he connected with people.
❤️ Why Milwaukee Fell in Love with Samson
Samson wasn’t just a gorilla. He had personality — a lot of it!
Visitors recall how he would thump his chest, throw tantrums, and even squirt water at the glass if he was feeling playful (or sassy 😆). He was expressive, moody, hilarious, and full of life — almost human in the way he interacted with everyone who came to see him.
For generations of Milwaukeeans, a trip to the zoo meant visiting Samson. Parents who saw him as kids would later bring their own children to visit him.
🦍 Fun Fact: At his peak, Samson weighed 652 pounds and stood over 5 feet tall!
🕊️ Samson’s Legacy Lives On
Sadly, Samson passed away in 1981 at the age of 32. His death left Milwaukee heartbroken — it truly felt like losing a family member.
Today, Samson’s legacy lives on. His life-size taxidermy figure is on display at the Milwaukee Public Museum, where visitors can still stand face-to-face with the city’s most famous gorilla.
And at the Milwaukee County Zoo, the love for gorillas and great apes remains strong, thanks to the unforgettable bond Samson built with the community.
🦁 Before Samson: The Roots of Milwaukee’s Zoo Love
Long before Samson’s reign at the zoo, Milwaukee’s love for wild animals began at the Washington Park Zoo, the city’s very first zoo opened back in the 1890s.
Did you or your family ever visit Samson at the zoo? What do you remember most about him?
💬 We’d love to hear your stories — drop them in the comments below!
Samson’s legacy lives on in the memories and stories of Milwaukee residents. Every year the Milwaukee County Zoo hosts a fun run “Samson’s Stomp & Romp” in memoriam, and Samson’s remains are on display on the first floor of the Milwaukee Public Museum.
Samson wasn’t just another animal at the zoo — he grew up in front of the whole city. Kids who visited him in the 1950s became adults who brought their own kids to see him in the 1970s. Three generations of Milwaukee families felt like they knew him. He was part of their childhood memories, school field trips, family outings — like a local legend you could actually see.
🧠 2. People Saw Human Emotions in Him
Samson was famous for his expressions, tantrums, and moods that felt so human. He’d pound his chest, spit water at the glass if he was annoyed, pout when ignored, and get excited when kids tapped the window. Visitors didn’t just watch Samson — they connected with him emotionally.
🌟 3. He Was Milwaukee’s Pride
For a long time, Samson was considered one of the largest and most famous gorillas in captivity anywhere in the world. Milwaukee was proud of him — he made the city feel special. Losing him felt like losing a major part of what made Milwaukee unique.
🥀 4. His Death Marked the End of an Era
Samson’s death in 1981 symbolized more than just the loss of an animal — it felt like the end of a golden age for the Milwaukee County Zoo and for so many people’s personal memories.
🦍 In short: People weren’t just mourning a gorilla. They were mourning a friend, a piece of their childhood, and a piece of Milwaukee history.
