CLEVELAND — So cute!
The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is welcoming an 11-week-old western lowland gorilla named Jameela from the Fort Worth Zoo “in hopes that one of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s adult female gorillas will step in as a foster mother to the infant.”
Jameela is expected to arrive in Cleveland next week.
Zoo officials said her birth in early January made international headlines after life-threatening complications threatened the health of her mother, Sekani, requiring an emergency cesarean -- the first in Fort Worth Zoo’s history.
“Unfortunately, Sekani and other female gorillas at Fort Worth Zoo did not show maternal behaviors that would indicate a successful bond with Jameela,” according to the zoo’s announcement Friday morning. “After attempts to introduce Jameela into the Fort Worth Zoo’s gorilla troop, it was collectively determined that her next best step is a move to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo where every effort will be made to successfully integrate her into their troop.”
Mike Fouraker, executive director of the Fort Worth Zoo, said the main goal has always been that Jameela is raised by gorillas.
“We have been in contact with the team at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and are hopeful that our ultimate goal will be met,” Fouraker said. “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.”
Zoo officials said the Gorilla Species Survival Plan (SSP) has been advising and supporting the Fort Worth team since Jameela was born “and ultimately determined that Cleveland Metroparks Zoo was the next best opportunity for Jameela to find a foster gorilla.”
It comes as zoo officials say Cleveland’s troop had recent success in gorilla fostering after the eldest female quickly adopted Kayembe in 2021 after his birth mother “similarly didn’t display proper maternal care.”
“We have been in close contact with Fort Worth Zoo and following Jameela’s journey,” said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Dr. Chris Kuhar. “We’re thankful for the partnership with Fort Worth Zoo and the tremendous work by their team. As AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) accredited organizations, we have the ability to leverage strong collaborations like this to ensure the best positive wellbeing for the animals in our care. Together our zoos, along with the entire Gorilla SSP, are hopeful that Jameela will quickly bond and thrive with our troop.”
The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s gorilla troop was featured internationally last fall on Netflix’s “Baby Animal Cam” and “Baby Gorilla Cam.”