In the 1930s, the so-called “largest gorilla” in captivity was a lowland gorilla credited with saving Ringling Brothers circus from bankruptcy.
His name was Buddy, but he was later called “Gargantua.”
Ringling Bros. posters of him showed him in King Kong-like poses, with one describing him as the “world’s most terrifying living creature!” and “the largest and fiercest gorilla ever brought before the eyes of civilized man!”

Public Domain