Freya Aspinall, the daughter of British businessman and conservationist Damian Aspinall, has a special connection with gorillas due to her family’s long-standing commitment to wildlife conservation. The Aspinall Foundation, founded by her grandfather John Aspinall and now led by her father, is dedicated to protecting endangered species, including gorillas, and reintroducing captive-born animals into the wild.
Freya’s Bond with Gorillas
Freya grew up around gorillas at her family’s wildlife parks—Howletts Wild Animal Park and Port Lympne Reserve in Kent, England. These parks house some of the world’s most endangered species, including western lowland gorillas.
One of the most touching moments showcasing Freya’s connection with gorillas was in 2019, when she visited Gabon as part of The Aspinall Foundation’s gorilla reintroduction program. There, she had a heartfelt reunion with Djala, a gorilla her family had raised in the UK before releasing him into the wild. Footage of their emotional encounter went viral, showing Djala recognizing Freya and gently touching her face—an incredibly rare and moving interaction between a human and a wild gorilla.
The Aspinall Foundation’s Gorilla Conservation Efforts
Reintroduction Programs: The foundation has successfully released several captive-born gorillas back into the wild in Africa.
Anti-Poaching Initiatives: They support efforts to protect gorillas from illegal hunting and habitat loss.
Breeding Programs: Howletts and Port Lympne have bred over 150 gorillas, one of the most successful conservation breeding programs in the world.
Freya has followed in her family’s footsteps by advocating for wildlife conservation. She often shares her experiences with gorillas on social media, helping raise awareness about their plight in the wild.
Why This Connection Matters
Freya’s bond with gorillas highlights the intelligence and emotional depth of these animals. It also demonstrates the importance of conservation efforts in ensuring their survival, as gorillas remain critically endangered due to deforestation, poaching, and disease.
Would you like more details on any specific aspect of Freya’s work or The Aspinall Foundation’s projects?
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