CLEVELAND — Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has a new arrival, an 11-week old western lowland gorilla named Jameela from Fort Worth Zoo.

The effort was spearheaded by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in the hopes that an adult female gorilla within the zoo's gorilla troop will step in as a foster mother.

Jameela was born in January. Her mother, Sekani, faced life-threatening complications requiring an emergency cesarean, the first in Fort Worth's history.

Following the operation, Sekani and other female gorillas at Fort Worth did not display maternal behaviors that would show a successful bond with the infant. After attempts to introduce Jameela with her original troop failed, the next best step was determined.

“Our main goal has always been that Jameela is raised by gorillas,” said Mike Fouraker, executive director of the Fort Worth Zoo. “We have been in contact with the team at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and are hopeful that our ultimate goal will be met. We are grateful to the incredible Fort Worth team who have dedicated around-the-clock care to Jameela since her birth. She is now a healthy 8-pound infant gorilla and we look forward to watching her journey continue in Cleveland.”

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has had success with gorilla fostering, in 2021 Kayembe, another gorilla whose mother did not display proper maternal behavior, was adopted by the troop's eldest female gorilla, Fredrika or "Freddy."

“We have been in close contact with Fort Worth Zoo and following Jameela’s journey,” said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Dr. Chris Kuhar. “We’re thankful for the partnership with Fort Worth Zoo and the tremendous work by their team. As AZA accredited organizations, we have the ability to leverage strong collaborations like this to ensure the best positive wellbeing for the animals in our care. Together our zoos, along with the entire Gorilla SSP, are hopeful that Jameela will quickly bond and thrive with our troop.”

The Gorilla Species Survival Plan manages the care of nearly 350 gorillas in accredited AZA zoos. They worked with the Fort Worth team since Jameela's birth to determine that the Metroparks Zoo was the next best opportunity.

Jameela is anticipated to arrive in Cleveland next week.