Berlin Zoo Celebrates Fatou’s Record-Breaking Gorilla Longevity

Fatou, a dignified western lowland gorilla at the Berlin Zoo, recently celebrated her latest birthday with a specially prepared vegetable feast. Estimated to be 67 years old, she holds the Guinness World Record as the oldest living member of her species.

Her journey began in West Africa before arriving in Berlin in 1959 at the age of two. Since then, she has far outlived the typical lifespan of gorillas in the wild, becoming a beloved icon of the zoo.

“Fatou looks at you and looks right into your soul,” said Philine Hachmeister, a spokesperson for Zoo Berlin.

“She has this dignity. She looks at you, and it’s like looking at your grandma.”

As she ages gracefully, zookeepers take extra care to accommodate her health needs. Her meals are cooked to make them easier to chew, ensuring she remains comfortable despite age-related changes to her teeth and vision.

“I always say that they reflect some of the best things that we love most about our own species,” Tara Stoinski, president of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, told the Washington Post.

Quick Smiles:

• Fatou is recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest gorilla on Earth.
• Western lowland gorillas are known for their social sensitivity and care for the vulnerable.
• The Berlin Zoo first welcomed Fatou as a young gorilla in 1959.

Help spread the joy of this record-breaking birthday by sharing Fatou’s incredible story with your friends and family.

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