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Oldest gorilla in captivity turns 55
A gorilla recognised as the world's oldest in captivity celebrated her 55th birthday.
- AP
- Published: 23:56 May 9, 2008
- Jenny, a Western Lowland Gorilla and the world's oldest captive gorilla, eats a piece of cake as the Dallas Zoo celebrated her 55th birthday on Thursday.
- Image Credit: AP
Dallas: A gorilla recognised as the world's oldest in captivity celebrated her 55th birthday by munching down a four-layer frozen fruit cake and banana leaf-wrapped treats.
Jenny's caretakers at the Dallas Zoo say she's having a few joint issues and her eyesight isn't what it used to be but she still looks good for an old ape.
The International Species Information System, which maintains records on animals at 700 institutions around the world, says Jenny is the oldest gorilla in its database.
"I think it's amazing," said Kristen Lukas, curator of conservation and science at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in Ohio and the gorilla species survival plan coordinator for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
"I think it's a testament to the good care that she's received at the Dallas Zoo and also the resilience of gorillas in general."
Lukas said gorillas in the wild normally would live to age 30 or 35. Health care and protection from predators has extended the lifespan in zoos.
Jenny gave birth in 1965 to a female named Vicki, who was sent to Alberta, Canada, at age 5. Zoo officials aren't sure why Jenny hasn't conceived again.
Jenny's keepers describe her as very sweet though a little bossy.
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