Fatou the gorilla celebrated her 67th birthday at Berlin’s zoo, where she has been a resident since 1959. The zoo believes that Fatou is the oldest gorilla in the world, as no other gorilla in any other zoo is older than her. It is also assumed that there is no gorilla older than Fatou in the wild, where animals do not typically live as long. To mark the occasion, keepers at the zoo served Fatou a special treat of fruits and vegetables.
Despite her age, Fatou is in good health and lives in an enclosure of her own at the zoo. She prefers to keep her distance from the zoo’s other gorillas, possibly due to her old age. Fatou recently became the zoo’s oldest resident after the death of Ingo the flamingo earlier this year. Ingo, who had been living at the zoo since 1955, was believed to be at least 75 years old. With Ingo’s passing, Fatou now holds the title of the oldest animal at the zoo.
The zoo’s vet, Andre Schüle, stated that Fatou is a unique and irreplaceable animal at the zoo. Her longevity is a testament to the care and attention she has received from the zookeepers over the years. As one of the zoo’s most beloved residents, Fatou’s birthday celebrations were met with great fanfare from visitors and staff alike. Many people came to see her and wish her well on her special day.
Gorillas, like Fatou, are highly intelligent and social animals that form close bonds with their group members. While Fatou may prefer to keep her distance from the other gorillas in her old age, she still exhibits behaviors that are characteristic of her species. The zoo’s staff continues to monitor her health and well-being closely, ensuring that she remains comfortable and cared for in her old age. Fatou’s birthday serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts to protect endangered species like gorillas.
As the oldest gorilla in the world, Fatou holds a special place in the hearts of the staff and visitors at Berlin’s zoo. Her longevity is a testament to the excellent care provided by the zoo and serves as an inspiration to conservationists and animal lovers around the world. As Fatou continues to enjoy her golden years at the zoo, her legacy as the world’s oldest gorilla will serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting these magnificent animals for future generations. Happy 67th birthday, Fatou!
