Lady Fatou, known as the "grand dame" of the Berlin Zoo, has turned 69 years old, solidifying her status not only as the zoo's longest-residing tenant but also as the oldest living gorilla in the world. She was certified by Guinness World Records last year for this achievement.

Born in West Africa in 1957, Fatou arrived in Europe at the port of Marseilles in 1959, transported in the luggage of a French sailor. According to the Berlin Zoo, the sailor was unable to pay his bill at a tavern and gave Fatou to the landlady as payment. She soon made her way to the German capital from there.

Fatou is a western lowland gorilla. In the wild, these gorillas typically do not live past their 40s, and even in captivity, 50 years is considered advanced old age. Fatou has far exceeded these expectations.

In 1974, she gave birth to Dufte, the first gorilla born at the Berlin Zoo. Although her daughter passed away in 2001, Fatou's granddaughter M’penzi still keeps her company in Berlin. As of 2026, she has at least three great-great-great grandchildren.

Zoo director Andreas Knieriem stated, "We are very proud to have been able to accommodate an animal with us now for more than half a century. We are pleased that Fatou is in such good health despite her age." Nowadays, Fatou has her own private enclosure and dedicated staff members for her care. Zoo workers say she prefers to sit back and watch the other gorillas play rather than get involved in the activities.

Source: www.dw.com