World's Oldest Gorilla Turns 69

The zoo marked the occasion with a basket of cherry tomatoes, leeks, and lettuce, avoiding sugary fruits to protect the elderly primate's health.

Fatou arrived in Berlin in 1959 and has become a beloved fixture at the institution.

While her exact birth date in the wild is unknown, the zoo has traditionally celebrated her on April 13.

Her longevity is cited by experts as a testament to the specialized care provided to endangered species in modern zoological facilities.