Fatou, the world’s oldest-known living gorilla in Berlin Zoological Garden, Germany, celebrated her 66th birthday with a special dinner at the zoo. 

Fatou, a Western lowland gorilla, enjoyed her birthday meal as zoo visitors paid a visit on Thursday.

Fatou’s personal keeper, Ruben Gralki, said her species would live 45 to 50 years in nature, while zoo animals tend to live longer than the natural habitants.

He noted that reaching age 60 and beyond is a special feat.

“At her advanced age, Fatou needs very soft food that she can chew well even without teeth,” Mr Garlki said.

Mr Gralki stated that Fatou is one of five gorillas at the Berlin zoo, but she keeps her distance from others due to her advanced age. 

“Fatou has the opportunity to make contact with her neighbours at any time but deliberately withdraws and keeps her distance from the group,” he said. 

In a statement issued by the zoo, the management said Fatou’s exact age is unknown, but she came to the zoo in 1959 and was estimated to be two years old at the time. 

The zoo management said a sailor in France previously owned her. He exploited her to pay his bills.