EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - Officials at the Mesker Park Zoo says a Mueller’s Grey Gibbon that has been at the zoo since 2001 has died.

Zookeepers say Berta, who celebrated her 59th birthday in July, appetite had decreased and was no longer participating in daily activities she enjoyed.

Berta was taken to the vet and officials say her health rapidly and irreversibly declined.

An investigation into Berta’s death showed significant age-related changes to multiple organ systems.

During Berta’s 59th birthday celebration, which zoo officials call an extraordinary milestone, she received a “cake”, special enrichment, and a special Happy Birthday song from Camp Zoofari kids.

Berta was the oldest known Mueller’s grey gibbon in the United States, living far beyond the typical life expectancy of

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