Celebrating Long Lives: Fatou and Bella, the World’s Oldest Orangutans
A Milestone Celebration for Fatou at Berlin Zoo
On April 13, the Berlin Zoo in Germany hosted a joyful celebration for a truly remarkable resident: Fatou, the oldest recorded orangutan in the world, who turned 65. The festivities were marked by a vibrant display of rice cakes and an assortment of rich fruits, bringing a lively atmosphere to the zoo. Fatou, who is celebrated not only for her age but also for her unique history, delighted in a specially crafted rice cake topped with berries arranged to form the number 65, all presented on a bed of her favorite green leaves.
Fatou’s extraordinary life began in 1959 when she was brought to the Berlin Zoo under unusual circumstances. As a young orangutan, Fatou was bartered by a sailor at a bar in Marseilles, France. After a period of traveling across Europe, she eventually found a permanent home at the Berlin Zoo. It is believed that Fatou was around 2 years old when she arrived at the zoo.
In 2019, Fatou earned recognition from Guinness World Records as the “oldest living orangutan in captivity,” following the death of Trudy, another long-lived orangutan born in 1956. In the wild, orangutans typically live up to about 50 years, making Fatou’s age a testament to the exceptional care she has received.
Bella: Another Remarkable Orangutan at Hagenbeck Zoo
Over at the Hagenbeck Zoo in Hamburg, Germany, another elder orangutan, Bella, continues to amaze with her longevity. At 63 years old, Bella, a Sumatran orangutan, celebrated her birthday with a cake made from cooked rice and fruits, a favorite treat. Born in 1961 and arriving at Hagenbeck Zoo in 1964, Bella is in excellent health and remains an integral part of the zoo’s orangutan family.
Bella’s contributions go beyond her age. Known for her nurturing instincts, she has been a devoted mother to six of her own offspring and has also cared for four other young orangutans whose mothers were unable to do so. Despite the challenges that come with aging, such as having fewer teeth, Bella enjoys a diet of soft foods, including semolina porridge with Maggi sauce or honey, as well as a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Understanding Orangutan Longevity
Orangutans in the wild have an average lifespan of 35 to 40 years, though this can extend to around 50 years in captivity. The extraordinary lifespans of Fatou and Bella offer valuable insights into the care and well-being of orangutans under human care, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts and the impact of dedicated care.
