This Evansville Zoo Icon is the Oldest of Her Kind
I found an icon on TikTok last night. She is gorgeous. She is the moment. She is a primate. Just look at that smile.
Gibbon or Gremlin?
A Mueller's Grey Gibbon, to be exact. Some folks think she looks a bit like a critter from the 80s movie, Gremlins, but she would assure you it is perfectly fine to feed her any time of day.
@meskerparkzooaazk4.18.2025 Don't feed her after midnight! Berta might turn into a gremlin!♬ Gremlins (Radio Edit) - E-Force
Beautiful Berta, the Oldest Grey Gibbon
I don't think she looks like a Gremlin, though. I think she looks more like a Muppet. Her adorable face looks like she is judging the heck out of everyone, and to be honest, at her age, she's earned the right. Her name is Berta and she is a favorite among zoo visitors. Berta's habitat is in the Asia loop of the Zoo.
Mesker Park Zoo's "Grandma Monkey"
If you ever have trouble finding her, all you have to do is look up at a rock formation. This ole gal LOVES to sunbathe. Reminds me of a picture I have of my grandmother on the beach. She would haunt me from the grave if I shared that here, but I do know that Berta's biggest fans call her "Grandma Monkey," so that definitely makes sense.
The Oldest Known Meuller's Grey Gibbon
Here are some amazing pictures of her from the Mesker Park Zoo Facebook. They show her a lot of love throughout the year. She gets lots of attention because she is the oldest of her kind in the world! At least, as far as we know. Berta is fifty-eight years old. The average age for a Mueller's Grey Gibbon is mid-40s in captivity or mid-20s out in the wild.
I hope this ole gal stays snackin' and people watchin' at Mesker for many years to come.
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