Gorillas

Jameela, a western lowland gorilla born at the Fort Worth Zoo, arrived March 27 at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo with hopes of joining the zoo’s gorilla troop and that one of the adult female gorillas will step in as a foster to mother the infant. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo was identified as a potential home for Jameela after her mother and other female gorillas at the Fort Worth Zoo did not show maternal care for the infant.

Born to mom, Kebi Moyo (32), and dad, Mokolo (36), the newborn Western lowland gorilla was only the second gorilla born at the Zoo in its 141 years. Weighing approximately 4 lbs. at birth, newborn gorillas are in almost constant contact with their mother for the first six months and nurse for about three years. The newborn is the second gorilla fathered by adult male Mokolo after Kayembe.

Kayembe was the first baby gorilla in Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s history. His name means “extraordinary” in recognition of his amazing birth and story. Kayembe was estimated to be at least six weeks premature at birth and his mother, Nneka, did not immediately show appropriate maternal care that is required for newborn gorillas. However, the troop’s eldest female, Fredrika or “Freddy,” quickly picked him up and has been serving as his surrogate mother ever since.

Freddy is the oldest gorilla in the troop. Having previously raised four infants, Freddy’s maternal instincts quickly took over when Kayembe was born and she has taken the role of the adoptive mother, providing constant care and protection of Kayembe. Freddy is socially savvy and wise, having lived through a lot of life experience.