A gorilla lived in a mall. No, this isn't a fever dream.
Ivan the Gorilla was brought from Africa to a Tacoma, Washington mall to attract shoppers. Eventually, after public outcry, Ivan was moved to a Zoo in Atlanta. From the Congo to America, and from a local business attraction to a national symbol of animal welfare, Ivan the Shopping Mall Gorilla traveled an astonishing distance in miles and in impact. This is the true story and includes photographs and facts.
Direction
Sensitive handling of a truly wild true story.
Production
Real photos that hit harder than any reenactment could.
Director
Kris Tercek
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Ivan's story inspired Katherine Applegate's Newbery-winning novel, which became a Disney+ film with Sam Rockwell voicing Ivan.
The real Ivan became a painting gorilla at Zoo Atlanta—his abstract art sold for hundreds, proving captivity couldn't crush his spirit entirely.
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