Lucknow, Feb. 12: Officials at a Lucknow zoo were unusually delighted this Monday, as they celebrated a 16-year-old chimpanzee’s birthday here.

Many parents with their tiny-tots flocked the zoo to join in birthday celebrations, as they wished to greet Nikita, the female chimpanzee.

Organised to develop enthusiasm of visitors, especially the children, towards animals, it was for the first time that such a birthday party was held at the zoo here.

It cheered everyone when a big cake having 16 candles (equal to Nikita’s age) put on it was cut on the occasion. Besides, a good meal comprising a variety of delicacies was offered to the chimpanzee and other animals too.

"This occasion is important because it is Nikita's birthday and we are using this as a platform to bring children closer to animals. We will be celebrating birthdays of other animals in the year to come so that curiosity can be developed in children. We have brought a birthday cake and she eats everything what humans eat," said Renu Singh, Director, Lucknow Zoo.

Everyone was overjoyed being a part of such a celebration. The enclosure of Nikita was decorated with streamers and colourful ribbons.

Despite the birthday not falling on any holiday, there was a large crowd present at the zoo to cheer the chimp.

Children, the special invitees, were the most excited lot as they enjoyed the ape's antics.

"I enjoyed a lot and I felt very good. I hope to keep on coming again and again to celebrate the birthdays of other animals as well," said Yasha, a child visitor.