Experience the heartwarming and inspiring journey of the gorilla family at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in this must-watch video. From Freddie, the 50-year-old surrogate mom, who's been breast-feeding both adopted kids, Kayembe and Jameela, to the playful antics of Kunda and the kids, this story showcases the power of love, resilience, and family bonds in the animal kingdom.
Witness how the troop came together to accept orphaned Jameela and celebrate sweet moments like Kayembe reconnecting with his birth mom, Nneka. Whether it’s tender nursing moments, funny tantrums, or joyful play, this video is filled with moments that will touch your heart.
Don’t forget to check out our gorilla playlist for even more captivating footage of this amazing troop!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRRsf9U_1VQ&list=PLDxT7q8Qb8SIpjE9EmPr6JZ18ngvNyH6D
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VIDEO SCRIPT
At the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, an extraordinary family has come together. This is a story of love, care, and resilience—of a mother’s bond that knows no boundaries.
Meet Fredrika, or Freddie, a 47-year-old surrogate mom who has given her heart to two very special little ones—Kayembe and Jameela.
When Kayembe was born premature, his biological mother, Nneka, didn’t know how to care for him. That’s when Freddie stepped in…
To everyone’s amazement, Freddie began to care for him as if he were her own—and even started lactating, providing him with the nourishment he needed to survive.
Three years later, a new little miracle needed help.
Jameela was born at the Fort Worth Zoo via emergency C-section. When her birth mom didn’t connect with her and no other females stepped in, the team found her a new family at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
Freddie welcomed Jameela with open arms. But to truly be part of the troop, Jameela needed acceptance from everyone—including the silverback, Mokolo.
And he did. Mokolo allowed Jameela into the troop, sealing her place in this loving family.
As the family grew, so did the playtime fun. Watch little Kunda join the action, ready to explore and make new friends.
Kunda is the middle child of the troop, born on July 19, 2023, to her natural mom, Kebi. Full of energy, Kunda loves to climb, explore, and beat her chest—a display that shows she’s already developing her confidence and playful spirit.
Kebi has proven to be a wonderful mother. Though naturally protective of Kunda, she now gives her the freedom to play and explore, fostering her curiosity while keeping a watchful eye. Kebi's gentle balance of care and independence is helping Kunda grow into a confident and adventurous young gorilla.
Here, two devoted mothers watch over three growing babies. Moments like these remind us of the power of family and the bonds that hold them together.
“Jameela, always full of energy, loves playing by the window—a favorite activity of hers. Meanwhile, Freddie lovingly nurtures Kayembe, showing the deep bond they continue to share.
“Freddie’s dedication to her little ones continues to amaze. Even now, at 50 years old, she is able to breastfeed both Kayembe and Jameela, ensuring they get the nutrition and comfort they need.
At just 11 months old, Jameela is learning to climb, swing, and play. She and Kunda, despite being six months apart, are close in size. While Jameela has developed strong muscles, she is still a bit clumsy as she navigates her world.
Together, the two girls are building a unique bond, filled with shared adventures and plenty of giggles, and of course, Kayembe always has to get in on the action too.
And sometimes, the sweetest moments happen when we least expect them. Here, Kayembe takes a quiet moment to visit his birth mom, Nneka.
It’s a beautiful reminder that love comes in many forms—and family is forever.
From Freddie’s incredible compassion to the troop’s gentle acceptance, this family continues to inspire us all.
Thank you to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo for their care, dedication, and love for these incredible animals.
MUSIC: "Fretless" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
Music from https://filmmusic.io:
Licence: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)