Cleveland Metroparks Zoo provided this video update about Jameela, an 11-week-old western lowland gorilla born at Fort Worth Zoo who was brought to Cleveland as part of a collaboration through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Watch for a behind-the-scenes look at what Cleveland Metroparks Zoo staff is doing to introduce Jameela to its gorilla troop.
The move was recommended in the hopes that one of the zoo’s adult female gorillas will step in as a foster mother to the infant. Jameela’s birth in early January 2024 made international headlines after life-threatening complications threatened the health of her mother, Sekani, requiring an emergency cesarean.Unfortunately, Sekani and other female gorillas at Fort Worth Zoo did not show maternal behaviors that would indicate a successful bond with Jameela. After attempts to introduce Jameela into the Fort Worth Zoo’s gorilla troop, it was determined that her next best step was a move to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, where every effort will be made to successfully integrate her into their troop.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s troop has had recent success in gorilla fostering – the troop’s eldest female gorilla, Fredrika or “Freddy,” quickly adopted Kayembe in 2021 after Kayembe’s birth mother similarly didn’t display proper maternal care following his birth.
For more video and virtual fun, including future gorilla troop updates, visit the zoo’s Facebook page.
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