BERLIN (AP) - Fatou, the world's oldest gorilla living in captivity, commemorated her 69th birthday with a special feast at the Berlin Zoo on Monday, where she enjoyed a variety of vegetables, including cherry tomatoes, beets, leeks, and lettuce. However, the celebration did not include a traditional birthday cake, as sugar is considered unhealthy for her as she ages.
Fatou is a western lowland gorilla who made her way to what was then West Berlin Zoo in 1959, at approximately two years of age. While her exact birth date remains a mystery, April 13 is celebrated as her official birthday. In the wild, gorillas typically have a lifespan of around 35 to 40 years, but individuals in captivity can live significantly longer. Fatou is a testament to this extended lifespan, as she continues to thrive in her old age.
Following the passing of Ingo the flamingo in 2024, Fatou became the oldest resident of the Berlin Zoo. Ingo was estimated to have lived to at least 75 years old and had been at the zoo since 1955, marking a remarkable tenure.
The fascinating journey of Fatou began when she was likely born in the wilds of western Africa. According to accounts from Guinness World Records, a French sailor reportedly acquired her from Africa, trading her to settle a bar tab in Marseille, France, from where she was later sold to the Berlin Zoo by an animal dealer.
In recent years, Fatou prefers solitude in her own enclosure, distancing herself from the other gorillas as she navigates her senior years. She has lost her teeth, suffers from mild arthritis, and experiences some hearing loss, yet she maintains a friendly rapport with her zookeepers, although she can be somewhat stubborn.
Christian Aust, the Berlin Zoo's primate supervisor, highlights Fatou's amiable relationship with the staff, noting her endearing personality. At the age of 69, she has truly earned her status as a beloved resident of the zoo. Her long life and the care she has received at the zoo have allowed her to remain a cherished figure, both among the zookeepers and the visitors who come to celebrate her milestones.
As Fatou marks this significant birthday, the celebration not only honors her life but also brings attention to the conservation efforts and complex histories of gorillas in captivity. Her story from the wild to the zoo encapsulates the broader narrative of wildlife management and the ethical considerations surrounding the care of exotic animals.
Her dedicated caregivers at the Berlin Zoo strive to ensure she enjoys her golden years, even if that means forgoing the sugary treats typically associated with birthday celebrations. On her special day, she was showered with love and attention, a sentiment echoed by the hearty German phrase: "Alles Gute zum Geburtstag, Fatou."
