emirates7 - Fatou, the world's oldest gorilla in captivity, is preparing to celebrate her 68th birthday in style.
On Friday, the Berlin Zoo gifted Fatou a basket filled with fruit and vegetables ahead of her official birthday on Sunday. Born in 1957, Fatou arrived at the zoo in 1959, which was then part of West Berlin.
Due to her age and the fact that she no longer has teeth, the zoo staff ensures her food is soft and easy for her to consume. Veterinarian André Schüle emphasized that “Fatou receives the best possible care here.”
Fatou lives alone in her own enclosure, separated from the zoo’s other five gorillas, who range in age from 4 to 39. Schüle noted that this arrangement provides her with the peace she deserves at her advanced age.
While gorillas typically live 35 to 40 years in the wild, they can live longer in captivity. Last year, Fatou became the zoo’s oldest resident following the passing of Ingo, a flamingo believed to be at least 75, who had been living at the zoo since 1955.
On Friday, the Berlin Zoo gifted Fatou a basket filled with fruit and vegetables ahead of her official birthday on Sunday. Born in 1957, Fatou arrived at the zoo in 1959, which was then part of West Berlin.
Due to her age and the fact that she no longer has teeth, the zoo staff ensures her food is soft and easy for her to consume. Veterinarian André Schüle emphasized that “Fatou receives the best possible care here.”
Fatou lives alone in her own enclosure, separated from the zoo’s other five gorillas, who range in age from 4 to 39. Schüle noted that this arrangement provides her with the peace she deserves at her advanced age.
While gorillas typically live 35 to 40 years in the wild, they can live longer in captivity. Last year, Fatou became the zoo’s oldest resident following the passing of Ingo, a flamingo believed to be at least 75, who had been living at the zoo since 1955.