The Remarkable Story of Freddy: The 50-Year-Old Gorilla Who Defies the Odds

In the serene setting of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, an extraordinary story unfolds within the space dedicated to the western lowland gorillas. Among the seven family members in this troop is Fredrika, affectionately known as Freddy, who recently celebrated her 50th birthday. This milestone is a testament to her resilience and adaptability, considering that the average lifespan of a gorilla in captivity is around 37 years. Freddy’s longevity, coupled with her role as a devoted caretaker, makes her story truly exceptional.

A Legacy of Care and Compassion

Freddy’s remarkable journey is not only about her impressive age but also her profound impact on her family. As a mother of 12, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Freddy has played a pivotal role in the lives of her relatives. Her nurturing nature extends beyond her biological offspring. Freddy is the primary caretaker of Kayembe and Jameela, two young gorillas whose mothers rejected them at birth. This role as a surrogate mother highlights her extraordinary capacity for empathy and care.

Kristen Lukas, the director of conservation and science at the zoo, marvels at Freddy’s ability to embrace and care for the orphaned infants. “Freddy picked up Jameela almost instantaneously,” Lukas recounts, “which is exactly what she did with Kayembe [when he was an infant], only this time Kayembe was on her back while she was picking up Jameela on her front.” Freddy’s actions underscore a profound level of adaptability and commitment, demonstrating that her maternal instincts are as strong as ever.

Adaptability and Resilience

Rich Bergl, director of the North Carolina Zoo’s Department of Conservation, Education, and Science, emphasizes the significance of Freddy’s behavior. Bergl, a National Geographic Explorer who studies western lowland gorillas, highlights how Freddy’s actions challenge preconceived notions about primates. “She shows us what animals are capable of,” Bergl says. “They’re not just automatons that consume food and give birth and die. They’re very much individual beings, just like people are, and have the ability to adjust to unexpected changes.”

Freddy’s ability to adapt to her role as a surrogate mother, even at an advanced age, is a powerful reminder of the complexity and individuality of animal behavior. Her story serves as a testament to the resilience and emotional depth of primates, reinforcing the idea that animals can exhibit profound capacities for change and care.

The Science of Lactation

One of the most fascinating aspects of Freddy’s story is her ability to lactate despite her age. Laura Klutts, the Cleveland zoo’s associate animal curator, observed that Kayembe was not only suckling but also swallowing. This led to the discovery of white droplets on Freddy’s breast, indicating that she was producing milk. This phenomenon, known as induced lactation, is not unique to gorillas; it can also occur in humans, particularly when hormones are administered to stimulate milk production.

The zoo’s concern about the nutritional quality of Freddy’s milk prompted them to seek the expertise of Michael Power, who studies animal milk at the Smithsonian Institution. Power’s analysis revealed that Freddy’s milk met all the necessary criteria for calories and nutrients, debunking any concerns about its adequacy.

“This was the first time, to our knowledge, we had seen a female of this age as a surrogate lactating,” Lukas remarks. Power attributes Freddy’s induced lactation ability to her extensive experience as a mother. “She’s had multiple babies and knows what to do,” Power explains. “Just as an experienced athlete has muscle memory, her brain and body know how to switch back into parenting mode. Oxytocin is released to nurture bonding, then prolactin [to produce milk].”

A Beacon of Hope

Freddy’s story is more than a remarkable anecdote; it is a beacon of hope and a testament to the incredible capabilities of the natural world. Her dedication to her family, her ability to adapt to new challenges, and her demonstration of the intricate bond between mother and child provide invaluable insights into the lives of these magnificent creatures.

As Freddy continues to care for Kayembe and Jameela, she exemplifies the resilience and compassion that define the spirit of the western lowland gorilla. Her story not only enriches our understanding of animal behavior but also inspires us to appreciate and protect the natural world. Freddy’s legacy is a reminder that, regardless of age or circumstance, the capacity for love and care remains boundless.