Fatou, oldest gorilla in captivity, marks 68

Fatou, the oldest living gorilla in captivity, is preparing to mark her remarkable 68th birthday at Berlin Zoo this Sunday.

This milestone makes her not only the zoo’s oldest resident but also a global icon of longevity in the animal kingdom.

To kick off the celebration early, zoo staff presented Fatou with a special birthday treat on Friday: a colorful basket filled with her favorite soft fruits and vegetables. Though she no longer has teeth, her caretakers make sure her meals are easy to chew and gentle on her digestive system.

“She gets the best possible care here,” said zoo veterinarian André Schüle, highlighting the dedicated attention Fatou receives. “Her meals are specially prepared, and every effort is made to ensure she is comfortable and healthy.”

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She was born in the wild in 1957 and arrived at Berlin Zoo in 1959 under unusual circumstances — reportedly after a sailor used her to settle a bar bill in Marseille, France, before she was passed along to Berlin. Since then, she has spent more than six decades at the zoo, becoming a beloved fixture and a favourite among visitors and staff alike.

Now enjoying a peaceful retirement, Fatou lives alone in her enclosure, away from the zoo’s five younger and more active gorillas, who range in age from 4 to 39. “She has the peace she deserves at her high age,” Schüle added.

Last year, Fatou became the zoo’s oldest resident following the death of Ingo, a flamingo who was believed to be at least 75 years old and had been at the zoo since 1955.

Fatou’s birthday will be marked quietly, with zoo visitors welcome to drop by and leave birthday wishes at a dedicated board outside her enclosure. As she prepares to turn 68, Fatou continues to inspire both animal lovers and conservationists, embodying the zoo’s long-standing commitment to the care of aging animals.

ABC NEWS