Fatou, the world's oldest gorilla in captivity, marked her 69th birthday at Berlin Zoo with a sugar-free feast of cherry tomatoes, beets, leeks, and lettuce, avoiding traditional cake for a healthier meal.
A western lowland gorilla, Fatou arrived in what was then West Berlin in 1959, believed to be around two years old. While her exact birthdate is unknown, April 13 is celebrated as her designated birthday. Gorillas typically live 35-40 years in the wild but can live longer in captivity.
Fatou became the zoo's most senior resident in 2024 after the death of Ingo the flamingo, thought to be at least 75. Her journey began in western Africa; according to Guinness World Records, a French sailor bartered her to settle a bar tab in Marseille before she was sold to the zoo by an animal trader.
Now living in her own enclosure away from younger gorillas, Fatou has lost her teeth and experiences arthritis and hearing loss. Despite these challenges, primate supervisor Christian Aust describes her as friendly with keepers, though still a little stubborn.
