Fatou the gorilla celebrates 65th birthday in Berlin

Back in 1959, at the age of about two years, little Fatou came to Berlin's zoo. Fast forward to her celebrating her 65th birthday on Wednesday, and thus being considered the oldest gorilla in the world.

The traditional birthday cake could not be missed this year either, with zookeepers keen to provide something very special to mark the occasion. In general, gorillas only have a life expectancy of about 40 years.

Fatou's exact age is unknown, as the senior gorilla reportedly came to Berlin by a circuitous route in 1959 after a sailor used her as currency in an inn in France.

In addition to senior gorilla Fatou, Zoo Berlin is home to silverback Sango, 17, and females Djambala, 20, Mpenzi, 36, and Bibi, 25, with daughter Tilla, 1, the youngest member of the family.