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Fatou the Gorilla Turns 69 with Sugar-Free Feast
13 Apr
Summary
- Fatou, the world's oldest captive gorilla, celebrated her 69th birthday.
- She received a special, sugar-free meal of vegetables from Berlin Zoo.
- Fatou arrived in Berlin in 1959 and is now the zoo's most senior resident.
Fatou, the world's oldest gorilla in captivity, recently marked her 69th birthday with a special, sugar-free celebration at Berlin Zoo. This venerable primate enjoyed a carefully prepared feast consisting of cherry tomatoes, beets, leeks, and lettuce, prioritizing her health with an age-appropriate meal instead of a traditional sugary cake.
Fatou's remarkable journey began when she arrived in what was then West Berlin in 1959, estimated to be around two years old. Although her precise birthdate is unconfirmed, April 13 is recognized as her official birthday. Gorillas typically have a lifespan of 35-40 years in the wild, but Fatou has significantly surpassed this under human care.
In 2024, Fatou became the zoo's most senior resident following the passing of Ingo the flamingo. Her life began in western Africa, and Guinness World Records notes a fascinating tale of her arrival in France, allegedly bartered for a bar tab, before being sold to the zoo.
Today, Fatou resides in her own enclosure, preferring a tranquil existence away from younger gorillas. She faces typical age-related issues such as lost teeth, arthritis, and hearing loss. Despite these challenges, primate supervisor Christian Aust describes her as a friendly yet characteristically stubborn resident with her keepers.
