Berlin’s zoo is celebrating the 67th birthday of Fatou the gorilla, its oldest resident and believed to be the oldest gorilla in the world. Fatou, born in 1957, arrived at the zoo in what was then West Berlin in 1959. Keepers treated her to a special birthday meal of fruit and vegetables ahead of her official birthday. Vet Andre Schüle confirmed that Fatou is the oldest gorilla in any zoo and likely the oldest in the wild as well, given the typical lifespan of the species.
Having lived a long life, Fatou now resides in her own enclosure at the zoo and has become a bit of a loner, preferring to keep her distance from the other gorillas. This behavior is not uncommon for older gorillas, who may become more solitary as they age. Despite her advanced years, Fatou is still in relatively good health and continues to be a beloved and respected member of the zoo community. Her longevity is a testament to the care and attention she has received over the years from her keepers.
Fatou became the zoo’s oldest resident following the passing of Ingo the flamingo earlier this year. Ingo, who lived at the zoo since 1955, was believed to be at least 75 years old at the time of his death. His passing was mourned by both keepers and visitors, but Fatou’s milestone birthday has brought new joy and celebration to the zoo. The longevity of both Ingo and Fatou serves as a reminder of the important role that zoos play in caring for and preserving endangered species.
The New England Aquarium also has a resident senior citizen in the form of a 500-pound, 95-year-old sea turtle. The turtle has recently been given a clean bill of health, despite her advanced age. The aquarium staff have taken special care to ensure that the turtle receives the best possible care as she continues to age gracefully. Visitors to the aquarium have the unique opportunity to witness this incredible creature up close and learn about the importance of conservation efforts to protect endangered sea turtles.
As zoos and aquariums around the world celebrate the longevity of their oldest residents, they also highlight the importance of conservation efforts to protect endangered species from extinction. Through education, research, and breeding programs, these institutions play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and raising awareness about the threats facing wildlife in the wild. By caring for individual animals like Fatou and the elderly sea turtle, zoos and aquariums demonstrate their commitment to providing a safe and comfortable environment for creatures that may not have survived in the wild.
The celebration of Fatou’s 67th birthday and the positive health check of the elderly sea turtle serve as reminders of the incredible diversity of life on Earth and the need to protect and preserve it for future generations. As the world faces increasing challenges from climate change, habitat destruction, and poaching, the work of zoos and aquariums becomes ever more vital in safeguarding the planet’s precious wildlife. By caring for and honoring their oldest residents, these institutions inspire visitors to take action to protect and conserve the natural world for all species, both now and for generations to come.
