Jameela is a western lowland gorilla born on January 5, 2024, at the Fort Worth Zoo. Her birth was notable due to life-threatening complications experienced by her mother Sekani, who required an emergency cesarean, the first in Fort Worth Zoo’s history. Unfortunately, Sekani and the other female gorillas there did not show maternal care or bonding with Jameela. As a result, Jameela was transferred at about 11 weeks old to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on March 27, 2024.
The goal at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo was to have one of their adult female gorillas foster Jameela and successfully integrate her into their troop. The zoo had prior success with gorilla fostering, increasing hopes for Jameela’s positive integration. Cleveland’s gorilla troop includes both adults and youngsters, with Jameela joining as an infant with a playful and energetic personality. The zoo has kept the public updated on her progress, and Jameela has been thriving in her new environment, engaging well with the troop and caretakers.
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