Fatu, who arrived at the Berlin Zoo in 1959 as a two-year-old, celebrated her 68th birthday two days early, as the zoo officially recognizes her birthday on April 13.
Considered one of the oldest gorillas in the world, Fatu has far surpassed the average lifespan for her species. In the wild, gorillas typically live to about 35 years, while those in captivity can reach around 50. Fatu’s remarkable longevity makes her an exceptional example of resilience among her kind.
To mark this special occasion, her caretakers prepared a delightful basket filled with fruit, including watermelons, strawberries, plums, and blueberries. However, due to her age and dietary needs, Fatu primarily consumes soft vegetables, as she has been without teeth for some time.
Fatu is also noteworthy as one of the few animals in European zoos that has a direct lineage from the wild. Gorillas continue to face threats as an endangered species, largely due to deforestation, poaching, and urban expansion.
