File:Alfred the gorilla.jpg

Alfred the Gorilla (c. 1928 – 9 March 1948) arrived at Bristol Zoo, England, in 1930 and became a popular attraction and animal celebrity.[1] His fame grew to international proportions during World War II and after his death he remained an important mascot for the city of Bristol.

Alfred's distinct personality led to his popularity amongst younger visitors and he quickly became one of the zoo's main attractions. His profile was further increased during World War II when visiting soldiers took images and stories of Alfred back to their home countries with articles about him appearing in the US and Australian press. After Alfred died in 1948, his taxidermic form was put on display in Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery where he continued to act as a mascot for the city. Alfred's form was stolen from the museum in 1956 and was missing for a weekend before he was discovered and returned, a mystery that remained unsolved until the death of one of the perpetrators in 2010.[2] He remains on display in Bristol today and served as part of the inspiration for the popular Wow! Gorillas trail in 2012.