Feature: Gorilla in Britain celebrates 40th birthday

When the gorilla Salome was presented with a bunch of roses to mark her 40th birthday, she did what all self-respecting members of her species would do. She ate them.

Zoo keepers at Bristol Zoo Gardens organised a party Saturday for Salome and her friends at the zoo. They baked a special birthday cake for Salome, crammed with her favorite vegetables, to share with members of her troop.

Salome, a Western lowland gorilla, was conceived at Bristol Zoo Gardens in 1975 and was born in 1976. She took no time in tucking into her vegetable birthday cake on Gorilla Island, said her zookeepers..

A spokeswoman at the zoo said Sunday: "Salome marked her four decade milestone with the five other gorillas at the zoo, who also received a present box full of their favorite healthy treats and an assortment of Salome's favorite, edible flowers -- roses."

Salome is described by her keepers as one of the most intelligent of the gorilla troop.

Lynsey Bugg, curator of mammals at the zoo, said: "She really is very clever and calculated and loves working our different puzzles, particularly if it means she gets a food reward."

Salome is a mother to four-year-old, Kukena, who is often seen playing with her and coming for cuddles. She has mothered three offsprings and it is this experience that Buggs says has had a huge influence on the other females.

"Where the younger gorillas all get very excited by small things, Salome is able to see the bigger picture and she only steps in during an argument if she really needs to," Bugg said.

Salome also has a very respectful relationship with the troops' silverback Jock, who is father to Kukena.

"If he's ever anxious, she is usually the first one to try and cheer him up with appeasing vocalisations. She also pays him lots of attention if he ever shows off and displays -- he clearly has her affection in this area," Bugg added.

Salome can be easily distinguished by her wrinkly nose and gingery hair on the top of her head. She is also shorter in height than the other adults.

Her healthy diet consists of vegetables including leafy lettuce, chicory and peppers.

John Partridge, senior curator of animals at the zoo, explained: "Gorillas in the wild often only live into their late 30s to early 40s. In human care, it's not uncommon for gorillas to reach the grand age of 50, or hopefully even older."

"It's hugely positive to see Salome still enjoying her life and the enrichment we provide. She is a very special member of the troop here at Bristol Zoo and has played a vital role in social dynamics and helping our younger females to develop," the senior curator said. Endit