Fatou is a western lowland gorilla who arrived in what was then West Berlin in 1959, according to zoo records. Her journey began in the wild of western Africa, though her exact birthdate remains unknown. April 13 is celebrated as Fatou's designated birthday at the zoo, a tradition that honors her long-standing presence.
Gorillas typically live for 35-40 years in the wild, making Fatou's longevity exceptional. She became the Berlin Zoo's most senior resident in 2024 following the passing of Ingo the flamingo, who was thought to be at least 75 years old and had resided at Berlin Zoo since 1955. This milestone highlights her remarkable age and status among the zoo's inhabitants.
Christian Aust, the Berlin Zoo's primate supervisor, describes her as friendly with her keepers, albeit still a little stubborn.
Guinness World Records notes a tale that a French sailor bartered Fatou to settle a bar tab in Marseille, though the details of this barter tale remain unclear. Fatou was reportedly sold to Berlin Zoo by a French animal trader, adding an unusual twist to her early history. This story underscores the unique circumstances of her arrival in captivity.
Fatou enjoys her own enclosure at Berlin Zoo and prefers a quiet life away from the zoo's younger gorillas. Her diet and care routine differ from younger gorillas, though specific differences have not been detailed. She has lost her teeth and experiences some arthritis and hearing loss, but the specific health treatments or care she receives for these conditions have not been disclosed. These age-related issues are common in elderly gorillas and are managed by her keepers.
According to The Independent - World, Christian Aust, the Berlin Zoo's primate supervisor, described Fatou as friendly with her keepers, albeit still a little stubborn. Her personality traits contribute to her enduring appeal among zoo visitors and staff. The current population or status of western lowland gorillas in the wild was not addressed in the available reports, leaving broader conservation context unspecified.