Fatou, the world’s oldest gorilla, recently celebrated her 69th birthday at the Berlin Zoo. Certified last year by Guinness World Records, Fatou is a western lowland gorilla who has significantly surpassed the typical 35-40 year lifespan of gorillas in the wild.
Arriving in Berlin in 1959, Fatou’s journey to the zoo began with a sailor who reportedly traded her to settle a bar bill in France during the late 1950s. She has received specialized care throughout her life in captivity, contributing to her longevity.
In 2024, Fatou became the Berlin Zoo’s oldest resident following the passing of Ingo the flamingo. Known affectionately as the “grand dame” of the zoo, she continues to thrive under the care of her keepers.