Fredrika, a 50-year-old gorilla at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, became a mother again—not by giving birth, but by nurturing orphaned infants rejected by their biological mothers.

This remarkable gorilla, affectionately known as “Freddy,” has defied expectations in more ways than one. At 50, she’s already surpassed the average lifespan of gorillas in captivity by over a decade. But what truly sets her apart is her continued role as a caregiver and emotional anchor within her troop.

🦍 A Matriarch’s Second Act

• A Lifetime of Motherhood: Fredrika is the biological mother of 12, a grandmother, and even a great-grandmother. Her experience and gentle demeanor have made her a natural leader in her troop.

• Raising the Rejected: When two young gorillas, Kayembe and another infant, were rejected by their mothers at birth, Fredrika stepped in. She cradled them, let them ride on her back, and even produced milk to nurse them—despite not having given birth recently.

• Why It Matters: This behavior is rare and deeply moving. It shows the emotional intelligence and social complexity of gorillas, and highlights the importance of elder females in primate communities.

💚 A Symbol of Compassion

Fredrika’s story has touched hearts around the world. Her actions remind us that motherhood isn’t defined solely by biology—it’s defined by love, protection, and presence. In a world where many animals face extinction and habitat loss, stories like Fredrika’s offer a glimpse into the emotional lives of creatures we often underestimate.