World's Oldest Captive Gorilla Fatou Celebrates 69th Birthday at Berlin Zoo
Fatou, the world's oldest gorilla living in captivity, has celebrated her 69th birthday with a special feast at the Berlin Zoo. The western lowland gorilla enjoyed a healthy meal of cherry tomatoes, beets, leeks, and lettuce, but notably skipped birthday cake, as sugar is not considered suitable for an aging primate.
A Remarkable Life Journey
Fatou arrived in what was then West Berlin in 1959, believed to be approximately two years old at the time. Her exact birthdate remains unknown, so April 13 has been designated as her official birthday. Gorillas typically live around 35 to 40 years in the wild, but can survive longer in captivity, making Fatou's age particularly extraordinary.
According to Guinness World Records, Fatou was likely born in the wild in western Africa. Her story involves a French sailor who reportedly took her from Africa and bartered her to settle a bar tab in Marseille, France. She was then sold to the Berlin Zoo by a French animal trader, beginning her long residency there.
Life at the Zoo
In 2024, Fatou became the zoo's oldest resident following the death of Ingo the flamingo, who was believed to be at least 75 years old and had lived at the zoo since 1955. Today, Fatou resides in her own enclosure, preferring to keep her distance from the other gorillas in her old age.
She faces age-related health challenges, including tooth loss, mild arthritis, and hearing loss. Despite these issues, Christian Aust, the Berlin Zoo's primate supervisor, describes her as friendly with zookeepers, albeit a bit stubborn—a trait she has certainly earned at 69 years old.
Alles Gute zum Geburtstag, Fatou—a heartfelt birthday wish for a truly remarkable primate.
