World’s oldest captive gorilla, Fatou, turns 69 with birthday feast at Berlin Zoo
Berlin Zoo welcomed a very special birthday celebration this week as Fatou, the world’s oldest gorilla living in captivity, marked her 69th birthday with a carefully prepared feast. The celebration featured a healthy spread of cherry tomatoes, beets, leeks, and lettuce, chosen specifically for the aging primate’s dietary needs. Zoo staff avoided giving her cake or sugary treats, noting that sugar is not suitable for her at her advanced age.
Fatou, a western lowland gorilla, has lived at the Berlin Zoo since 1959 after arriving in what was then West Berlin as a young gorilla believed to be around two years old. Her exact birthdate is unknown, but April 13 is recognized as her official birthday. Over the decades, she has outlived many of the zoo’s residents and became its oldest animal following the death of a flamingo that had reached an exceptional age in captivity.
Born in the wild in western Africa, Fatou’s early life is believed to have taken her through a winding journey before she arrived in Europe and eventually into the zoo’s care. Today, she lives in a private enclosure away from the other gorillas, preferring a quieter environment in her senior years. Age has brought challenges, including tooth loss, arthritis, and hearing decline, but she remains in good spirits and is known to be comfortable with her caretakers, even if she can be somewhat stubborn at times.
Now at 69 years old, Fatou continues to be a beloved figure at the zoo, symbolizing longevity and resilience among captive gorillas.
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