First baby gorilla born by C-section at Fort Worth Zoo needs new surrogate mother
Jameela, the first baby gorilla born by Cesarean section at the Fort Worth Zoo, still needs a surrogate mother after surrogacy training with 24-year-old Gracie stalled, zoo staff said in a social media update Tuesday.
“The progress we were needing to see has not been observed,” the post said. “We have made the difficult decision to end (Gracie’s) training and shift focus to another female in the troop.”
Zoo staff will be working with Winifred, also known as Fred, on maternal behaviors necessary for Jameela to thrive. The 33-year-old gorilla has displayed some interest in Jameela, though she doesn’t have offspring of her own, according to the post.
Jameela was born several weeks premature via emergency C-section on Jan. 5 after her mother, Sekani, began showing symptoms of preeclampsia. Sekani has recovered, but hasn’t shown any interest in caring for her infant.
Zoo staff have been working around the clock to bottle feed and care for the infant gorilla. According to the update, Jameela now weighs more than 7 pounds and is healthy and thriving.
“Our goal is — and always has been — to make sure Jameela is raised by gorillas,” zoo staff said in the update. “While we work with Fred over the next week, we are also consulting with our national partners about the best next steps.”
