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Description: Born January 5, 2024 at the Fort Worth Zoo via emergency C-section, Jameela overcame a challenging start and made history. In March 2025, she arrived at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, where she is now thriving—growing, learning, and bonding with her new gorilla family one step at a time.
Description: Kunda, 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.
Description: In this photo, Kebi is relaxing in a sturdy canvas hammock with Kunda nestled close by. Kebi's wise, watchful eyes show her caring nature, while Kunda peeks over the edge, full of baby curiosity. It’s a touching glimpse of the growing bond between these two remarkable gorillas.
Description: Tusa, born on December 2, 1989, arrived at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in May 2019 from the Albuquerque Zoo in New Mexico. She was the fourth female to join the troop and stands out for her large brown eyes and grayer hair. Tusa is known for her independent nature and is the lowest-ranking gorilla in the troop’s social hierarchy. Despite this, she still finds her own way to interact with the group, often choosing to observe from a distance or keep to herself. If you watch her closely in the habitat, you can see how calm and confident she is—even though she’s not at the top of the pecking order.
Description: Mokolo, born on July 10, 1987, is the towering silverback of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s gorilla troop. At nearly 400 pounds, he is about twice the size of the adult females. As the troop’s leader, he watches over his family, settles disagreements, and protects them from harm. Mokolo is also the proud father of Kayembe and Kunda, the first and second baby gorillas ever born at the Zoo. Despite his massive size, Mokolo is gentle with his troop, especially the youngsters. If you watch him in the habitat, you’ll see him calmly taking in everything around him—always aware and always ready to lend a hand (or a firm, fatherly roar) when needed.
Description: Kunda, 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.
Description: 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.
Description: 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.
Description: 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.
Description: 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.
Description: Tusa was born at the Bronx Zoo 1989. Both parents were born in the wild in the 1960's. She has been in three Zoos (2-1/2 years at The Bronx Zoo, 27 years at the Albuquerque Bio Park Zoo , and 5 here in Cleveland). She has no offspring. Tusa is the last adult gorilla to join our troop, and she is the smallest female. She was raised by humans and tends to be the most vocal gorilla here.
Description: Tusa was born at the Bronx Zoo 1989. Both parents were born in the wild in the 1960's. She has been in three Zoos (2-1/2 years at The Bronx Zoo, 27 years at the Albuquerque Bio Park Zoo , and 5 here in Cleveland). She has no offspring. Tusa is the last adult gorilla to join our troop, and she is the smallest female. She was raised by humans and tends to be the most vocal gorilla here.
Description: The photo shows a young gorilla, Kunda, who is one year old and resides at the Cleveland Metro Parks Zoo. Kunda is sitting on the ground amidst lush green vegetation, holding a small twig or branch. The gorilla's expression appears contemplative as it examines the twig. In the background, the larger figure of an adult gorilla, likely Kunda's guardian, is partially visible, providing a sense of protection and companionship. The natural setting highlights the gorillas' habitat and the close bond within the gorilla family.
Description: 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.
Description: 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.
Description: 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.
Description: This image captures a touching family moment among three gorillas. The gorilla in the forefront is Freddy, a remarkable 50-year-old mother who has adopted both younger gorillas seen with her. On Freddy's back is Jameela, a baby gorilla from Fort Worth, Texas, who looks secure and content. Following closely behind is Kayembe, a curious toddler holding onto Freddy for support. This heartwarming scene showcases the deep bonds and family structure in gorilla communities, with Freddy's dedication as an adoptive mother highlighting the profound connections that can form in the animal kingdom.
Description: Kunda, 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.
Description: Kunda, 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.
Description: 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.
Description: 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.
