‘Sigh of relief’: CLE zoo gives update on baby gorilla, foster mom

CLEVELAND (WJW) — The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is sharing an exciting update about one of its newest additions.

Jameela is a baby gorilla who was born in a Texas zoo. But she didn’t bond with the adult gorillas. Now, she’s at the zoo in Cleveland.

Zoo officials said it only took foster mom, Freddy, a few seconds to pick up Jameela. The zoo is calling the interactions a “huge success.”

“It was the first time Jameela was able to be picked up properly by a female gorilla, and that’s something that was missing,” said associate animal curator Laura Klutts.

The gorillas will need some privacy, and the exhibit will be closed at times. But the public will be able to catch a glimpse from time to time.

It’s not Freddy’s first time as a foster mom. Back in 2021, a baby boy gorilla, Kayambe, was born to Nneka at the zoo, but mom failed to show appropriate maternal care.

Freddy, who previously raised four other gorillas, took over quickly.