Remember When a New Hampshire Gorilla Ran for President of the U.S.?

Benson's Wild Animal Farm's biggest attraction was a Silverback Gorilla named Tony, then named Colossus.  Located in Hudson, New Hampshire, as kids we had never seen anything like him.

There were tons of animals at Benson's; literally lions, tigers and bears!  These were no ordinary animals either.  The Silverback Gorilla once ran for President of the United States.

The Silverback pictured here is not Tony/Colossus, but they look like twins.

Remember Tony the Gorilla?

Tony the Gorilla was the Silverback who lived at Benson's since he was very young and spent most of his 20 years there without seeing other gorillas.

At some point in his history, Tony's name was changed to Colossus.

In 1980, according to forgottennewengland.com, Benson's owner, Arthur Provencher, entered him into the 1980 primaries against Ronald Regan and Jimmy Carter.  As we know, he lost, but I'd like to know how many votes he got.

Colossus Loved General Hospital

When Tony (I'll always call him Tony) wasn't entertaining people in the front of his home, he was in his room at the back of the cage.  His favorite TV show was the soap opera, "General Hospital."

I get it, Tony.  Those were the days of Luke and Laura.

Colossus Needed a New Home

Benson's closed in 1987 and over 500 animals, including Tony, had to find new homes.  Tony was briefly sent to Florida, but that didn't work out.  Maybe they didn't let him watch his shows?

Tony eventually ended up in Cincinnati where he lived the rest of his days. He had to be reintroduced to other gorillas and the article states that his caretakers had to have him watch National Geographic shows to see how wild gorillas acted.  (He didn't want that.  Where's Luke and Laura, Damnit?)

Tony the Gorilla Lived to be 40 Years Old

Tony always preferred the company of humans, but he eventually did put up with other gorillas.  He died as a result of a heart attack while under anesthesia during an operation for a cracked tooth at the age of 40.

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Today, Benson's Animal Farm is long gone.  There are walking trails for people to enjoy and in the end, the last owner, Arthur Provencher, was happy that it is a beautiful place for people to gather.

WMUR did a Chronicle piece about it a long time ago, before the walking trails were established.

Benson's Meant Everything to Hudson, NH

If you are my age and from NH, there's no way you can think of Benson's and not have happy and sad feelings about the place at the same time.  It was magical in it's heyday and so, so sad when the day came where they had to close.

Do you remember Benson's?