WATCH: Baby gorilla Jameela’s surrogate mom turns 50 at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Lillie Davidson

June 5, 2024 at 1:02 p.m.·1 min read

The surrogate mother of Jameela, the baby gorilla born via C-section at the Fort Worth Zoo in January, turned 50 this week, and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo celebrated in style Wednesday morning.

“Freddy has led a remarkable life in part due to her adoption of Kayembe and Jameela — two young gorillas that needed maternal care,” a Cleveland Metroparks Zoo spokesperson told Cleveland 19 News.

Freddy, born in 1974, is the oldest gorilla in the Cleveland zoo’s troupe.

The zoo is selling a line of merchandise inspired by the gorilla.

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