Kampala — ZAKAYO, the oldest known chimpanzee in Uganda, celebrated his 45th birthday on Saturday at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe.

Surrounded by his family that included his wives Amina and Ruth, Zakayo preferred fruits to a birthday cake that had been baked for him.

When Zakayo was called out for the cake that had been well laid out on a tray with fruits, he opted for a finger of bogoya (banana) and walked away.

Attempts to convince him to pick a piece of the cake saw him pick a slice of pineapple instead.

His younger family members, however, scrambled for the cake and fought over the fruits

Five primary schools sent their pupils to join the birthday but an afternoon downpour cut short several activities that had been lined up for the occasion.

Chimpanzees, man's closest relative, are one of the main tourist attractions in Uganda.

The country has about 5,000 chimpanzees but their population is threatened by deforestation and loss of habitat.