BERLIN (AP) – Getting ready to celebrate her 68th birthday in style, Fatou, the oldest gorilla in captivity worldwide, was presented with a basket of fruit and vegetables at the Berlin zoo on Friday. Fatou, born in 1957 and a resident of the zoo since 1959, will officially turn 68 on Sunday. Due to her lack of teeth, keepers ensure that her food is soft and easily digestible. Vet André Schüle stated, “Fatou receives top-notch care here.” Living in her own enclosure separate from the other five gorillas at the zoo, ranging in age from 4 to 39, Fatou enjoys the peace she deserves at her advanced age. In the wild, gorillas typically live around 35-40 years, but can live longer in captivity. Following the passing of Ingo the flamingo last year, believed to be at least 75 years old and a resident of the zoo since 1955, Fatou became the oldest living resident at the Berlin zoo.
