Following weeks of challenges, Jameela, the baby gorilla, is leaving North Texas after unsuccessful attempts to have her bond with foster parents.
Earlier this month, The Dallas Express reported that Jameela’s mother, Sekani, gave birth to her via cesarian section due to health concerns. The procedure meant some essential hormones that drive bonding were absent. As a result, Jameela was not taken in by her birth mother. Repeated attempts to get Jameela to form a relationship with other adult gorillas at the Fort Worth Zoo were unsuccessful.
Now, the baby gorilla will make the trip to her new home in Ohio at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, where staff has experience connecting babies with new mothers.
“We have a bittersweet announcement to share: our surrogacy journey has ended after unsuccessful attempts to introduce Jameela to Winifred (Fred),” the Fort Worth Zoo posted to X on March 22.
Mike Fouraker, executive director of the zoo, said the most important goal has always been to ensure Jameela is fostered by gorillas.
“We have been in contact with the team at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and are hopeful that our ultimate goal will be met. We are grateful to the incredible Fort Worth team who have dedicated around-the-clock care to Jameela since her birth. She is now a healthy 8-pound infant gorilla, and we look forward to watching her journey continue in Cleveland,” said Fouraker, according to a release from Cleveland Metro Parks.
Before her departure, droves of visitors came out to send Jameela off from her birthplace in North Texas. Some even made hours-long drives to wish her goodbye.
“We know she’s going to a good place that’s going to take great care of her… We tried everything we could, and this is just the best next step for her,” said Angie Holmes, Fort Worth Zoo’s primary gorilla keeper, per Fox 4 KDFW.
