DALLAS - A gorilla recognized as the world's oldest in captivity has 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, said Jenny is the oldest gorilla in its database.
Gorillas in the wild normally would live to age 30 or 35. Health care and protection from predators has extended the lifespan in zoos.
Of the roughly 360 gorillas in North American zoos, only four are over the age of 50 and all of them are female.
Jenny gave birth in 1965 to a female named Vicki, who was sent to Alberta at age 5. Zoo officials aren't sure why Jenny hasn't conceived again.
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Article online since May 9th 2008, 0:00
Steven Guilbeault - 
