If you have lived in Atlanta for any length of time, or anywhere within the continental United States for that matter, you’ve probably heard the name “Willie B.” at sometime or another.  Willie B., as the silver back gorilla was lovingly known, lived his 41 year lifespan in the confines of Zoo Atlanta.  Most of us born and raised in Atlanta, can remember going to visit Willie B. and watching his playful antics each year.  Brought here direct from the wild at age 2, he spent more than half his life inside a concrete building with a television as his only playmate.  After twenty-seven years, Willie B. was released into a lush outdoor habitat with other gorillas.  Here Willie B. finally was able to roam freely about and begin a family.  He was the proud father of four daughters and one son.  The story of his sad beginnings began to see happier times.  Unfortunately, it ended all too soon.

As most of you know, Willie B. died January of this year at the age of 41.  What most Atlantans don’t know is that upon Willie B.’s death, Deceased Pet Care was contacted by Zoo Atlanta to handle Willie B.’s cremation services.  The private cremation, which was conducted through DPC’s Equine Cremation Services, was held on a quiet, rainy afternoon soon after his death.  As a tribute to Willie B. and all that he meant to the children of Atlanta, DPC donated the cost of its cremation services to Zoo Atlanta.  After receiving the cremains in a custom-designed urn, Zoo Atlanta held a memorial service to honor and pay tribute to Willie B.  The memorial service, which was attended by more than 2,500 people, was held at Zoo Atlanta and included several Atlanta dignitaries.  Zoo Atlanta planned to scatter his cremains over Cameroon, Africa, Willie B.’s birthplace.  However, listening to the publics input the decision was made to keep Willie B. in Atlanta and to commission a bronze urn with Willie B.'s cremains inside of it in the statue.  The statute sits at the entrance to Zoo Atlanta.  Visit and see this historical event at the Zoo Atlanta.  It will be a feeling of how great animals can become in all our daily lifes.

Deceased Pet Care was honored to be chosen to take part in such an historical occasion.  A memorial plaque hangs in our offices marking the occasion.  Willie B. will be forever missed by not only his devoted caretakers of Zoo Atlanta and the people of Atlanta, but by everyone, everywhere.