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Fatou, World's Oldest Captive Gorilla, Celebrates 69th Birthday at Berlin Zoo
Fatou, a western lowland gorilla, marked her 69th birthday with a vegetable feast at the Berlin Zoo. She has lived at the zoo since 1959 and is the facility's oldest resident. The gorilla, estimated to be about 71 years old, experiences age-related health issues but remains interactive with keepers.
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Fatou, recognized as the world's oldest gorilla in captivity, celebrated her 69th birthday on April 13, 2026, at the Berlin Zoo. The western lowland gorilla received a meal consisting of cherry tomatoes, beets, leeks, and lettuce. No cake was provided, as sugar is not suitable for her age.
Fatou arrived at the zoo in 1959, when it was part of West Berlin. She was approximately 2 years old at the time, though her exact birthdate is unknown, leading to the designation of April 13 as her birthday. Records indicate she was likely born in the wild in western Africa.
According to accounts from Guinness World Records, a French sailor transported Fatou from Africa and traded her to settle a bar tab in Marseille, France. A French animal trader subsequently sold her to the Berlin Zoo. These details form the basis of her early history.
In the wild, gorillas typically live 35 to 40 years, while those in captivity often reach longer lifespans due to veterinary care and controlled environments. Fatou became the zoo's oldest resident in 2024 after the death of Ingo, a flamingo estimated to be at least 75 years old. The flamingo had resided at the zoo since 1955.
now occupies a separate enclosure at the zoo, maintaining distance from other gorillas as she ages.
She has lost most of her teeth and experiences arthritis and hearing loss. Despite these conditions, she interacts positively with zookeepers. The Berlin Zoo's primate supervisor, Christian Aust, stated that Fatou remains friendly with staff members, though she can be stubborn.
Her longevity highlights advancements in captive animal care, including specialized diets and medical monitoring. Visitors to the zoo can observe her in her dedicated space.
lowland gorillas, Fatou's subspecies, face threats in the wild from habitat loss and poaching, contributing to shorter average lifespans compared to captivity.
