Fatou, believed to be the oldest gorilla in the world at 67 years old, is a celebrated resident of the Berlin Zoo, the most visited zoo in Europe.
Born in 1957, Fatou arrived at the zoo at the age of 2 and later became a mother, grandmother, and even a great-great-great-grandmother to multiple descendants.
Despite her extensive family, Fatou prefers solitude and lives in her own enclosure, occasionally interacting with her neighbors.
She became the Berlin Zoo’s oldest resident earlier this year after the death of Ingo the flamingo, who lived to be at least 75 years old. In 2019, Fatou became the oldest living gorilla following the passing of Trudy from Little Rock Zoo in Arkansas, and in 2020, she surpassed Trudy’s age to become the oldest gorilla ever recorded.
Fatou’s birthday, celebrated annually with a special feast, features a menu of fruits, vegetables, and edible flowers, tailored to her dietary needs due to her lack of teeth. Gorillas, known as “gardeners” in their natural habitat, primarily consume a vegetarian diet but can enjoy fruit on special occasions while limiting sugar intake.
On her special day, the Berlin Zoo invites visitors to join in the celebration by incorporating fruits into their meals in honor of Fatou’s birthday.
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