If you remember going to Benson’s between the 1960s and 1987, you probably remember Colossus, the huge silverback gorilla who lived in the smallish cage in the middle of the park. You can walk to Colossus’ cage, restored to its 20th-century glory. Colossus–weighing over 500 lbs, standing more than six feet tall, and with feet that measured eight inches wide–was probably the largest gorilla ever held in captivity. Also known as Tony, he was born in West Africa. He was the park’s main attraction, Colossus loved “General Hospital.” He often escaped the gaze of onlookers by retreating into the small room at the back of his cage to watch the soap opera on TV.
Besides being the largest gorilla ever held in captivity, Colossus ran for president. The park’s final owner, Arthur Provencher, entered him into both presidential primaries in New Hampshire in 1980. Colossus G. Benson ran against both Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter.
When Benson’s Wild Animal Farm closed in 1987, all 550 of its animals, including Colossus, were sold at auction.Colossus moved onto the Gulf Breeze Zoo in Florida first, and then lived his final years at the Cincinnati Zoo. Colossus had lived nearly all of his 20-something years in captivity alone and without seeing other gorillas. In Cincinnati, his keepers quickly learned that he needed to be reintroduced to other gorillas, according to a 1988 AP article published in the Annapolis Capital. To get him ready to meet and interact with other gorillas, they had to show him videotapes from National Geographic. He eventually learned to live with other gorillas, although zookeepers were never successful in getting him to mate with female gorillas to expand the gene pool with one of the last wild gorillas held in captivity. He lived until 2006 when he died during an operation to treat a cracked tooth. While under anesthesia, he suffered a massive heart attack. He was 40 years old
John T. Benson, was an animal trainer and dealer. Mr. Benson purchased over 200 acres of land in Hudson, New Hampshire in 1922 to house the various animals he obtained, as Hudson is conveniently located approximately one hour north of Boston, Massachusetts. When these animals were brought to the United states, they first needed to be quarantined, then often were trained and shipped to circuses or zoos. Thus, the quiet farming community of Hudson, New Hampshire became the location of "The Strangest Farm on Earth."
Local residents began to stop by the property trying to glimpse some of the exotic creatures-definitely not ordinary farm animals! The Boston and Maine Railroad Station was located behind what is now known as the Wattanick Grange Hall, so it was not unusual to see a mini parade of animals from the train station in Hudson Center to nearby Benson’s. In 1924, Benson opened the Farm to the public. While he did charge a small entrance fee, Hudson residents were allowed in at no charge. Benson’s became a popular place to visit on the weekends. Soon, people were traveling from all over New England to visit Benson’s and Mr. Benson began to expand the farm, adding various attractions, rides and concessions each year. Mr. Benson died in 1943. Benson’s was sold and continued to be a major tourist attraction.
After more than 60 years of making Hudson a regional tourist attraction, Benson's gates were closed forever. No more dancing elephants. No more neon blue "rabbit's foot" souvenirs. No more gorilla candidates to run in the New Hampshire presidential primary.
Congratulations to Summit Seeker w Kids & nfr5013 for braving the cage and making the First To Find!