Fatou, the world’s oldest known gorilla living in captivity, marked her 69th birthday on Monday at the Berlin Zoo with a special meal consisting of cherry tomatoes, beets, leeks, and lettuce. The zoo refrained from serving traditional birthday cake due to health concerns for the elderly primate, emphasizing a diet appropriate for her age.

The western lowland gorilla arrived at the zoo, then located in West Berlin, in 1959 when she was estimated to be approximately two years old. While her exact birth date remains unknown, April 13 is recognized as her official birthday for celebratory purposes. In the wild, gorillas typically have a lifespan of about 35 to 40 years, but those in captivity often live longer due to medical care and stable conditions.

Fatou became the Berlin Zoo’s oldest animal resident in 2024 following the death of Ingo, a flamingo believed to be at least 75 years old who had lived at the zoo since 1955. Fatou’s age and longevity have earned her recognition from the Guinness World Records.

Her origins trace back to western Africa, where she was likely born in the wild. According to the Guinness World Records, her journey to Berlin began after a French sailor is said to have acquired her and traded her in Marseille to settle a bar tab. A French animal trader subsequently sold her to the zoo.

Currently, Fatou resides in a dedicated enclosure separate from other gorillas, as she tends to keep to herself in her advanced years. She has experienced typical age-related health issues, including tooth loss, arthritis, and some hearing impairment. Despite these challenges, zoo staff report that she remains in good spirits and maintains a friendly relationship with her caretakers, although she exhibits a degree of stubbornness.

Christian Aust, the primate supervisor at Berlin Zoo, noted that Fatou’s longevity and temperament reflect her resilience. The zoo commemorated her birthday with the customary German greeting, “Alles Gute zum Geburtstag,” acknowledging her remarkable milestone.