Fatou, the world's oldest gorilla living in captivity, celebrated her 69th birthday at the Berlin Zoo with a special meal of vegetables and fruits. She arrived at the zoo in 1959 and is now the zoo's oldest resident.
The milestone highlights the longevity of animals in captivity and the dedicated care provided by zoos, offering a rare glimpse into the life of an exceptionally old primate.
Fatou, recognized as the world's oldest gorilla living in captivity, marked her 69th birthday on Monday with a specially prepared feast at the Berlin Zoo. The western lowland gorilla enjoyed a meal of cherry tomatoes, beets, leeks, and lettuce, as sugar is not recommended for her advanced age.
Fatou arrived in West Berlin in 1959, with her exact birth date unknown, though April 13 is observed as her birthday. Gorillas typically live between 35-40 years in the wild, but can live longer in captivity. She became the zoo's oldest resident in 2024 following the death of Ingo the flamingo, who was at least 75 years old.
According to Guinness World Records, Fatou was likely born in the wild in western Africa and was reportedly bartered by a French sailor to cover a bar tab before being sold to the zoo by a French animal trader. In her current life, Fatou resides in a separate enclosure, preferring solitude in her old age. She has lost her teeth and experiences arthritis and hearing loss, though zoo supervisor Christian Aust notes she remains friendly with keepers, albeit stubborn.
Alles Gute zum Geburtstag, Fatou.