Fort Worth Zoo to transfer baby gorilla after surrogacy efforts fail

The Fort Worth Zoo commenced the year with a momentous event: the emergency birth of a baby gorilla via C-section due to the life-threatening condition of her mother, Sekani, who suffered from preeclampsia.

Named Jameela by the zoo, the premature gorilla is thriving, despite Sekani’s inability to bond with her.

Angie Holmes, the zoo’s primary gorilla keeper, remarked, “She has had other offspring in the past and was an excellent mom. So, the only thing we could really point to was the preeclampsia, the premature birth, that experience, put something off track for her to actually pick her up.”

In an exclusive update shared with NBC 5, the zoo revealed a bittersweet development: surrogacy attempts with two other female gorillas have concluded unsuccessfully. Consequently, Jameela will be relocated to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo next week, as announced on the Fort Worth Zoo’s Instagram account.

Stephanie Crowson, the zoo’s associate mammal curator, expressed mixed emotions about Jameela’s impending departure, likening it to a child leaving home to start their own life. “It’s like you know it’s the right decision for them. You’re excited. You’re a little disappointed that she’s not gonna stay with you but you know, she’s gonna have excellent care,” Crowson remarked.

NBC 5 was granted exclusive access behind the scenes to witness the dedicated care provided to Jameela by zoo staff members.

Born on January 5 weighing merely three pounds, Jameela has since grown to eight pounds and is meeting developmental milestones expected at her age.

However, Jameela is now exclusively cared for by humans, receiving around-the-clock attention to ensure she is never alone, out of sight, or beyond reach.

For Holmes, parting ways with Jameela will be particularly challenging. “Very hard. Very hard,” she tearfully shared with NBC 5. “It’s gonna be tough but this is what we’ve wanted. We’re here for our animals. And what’s best for her has got to be what’s best for us, too.”

The Fort Worth Zoo has announced plans to allow the public to visit Jameela and bid her farewell before her departure during the week of March 25.