Damian Aspinall became involved with gorillas in 1992, when he and his family founded the Aspinall Foundation. The Aspinall Foundation intends to enhance the population of wild gorillas by releasing captive-raised gorillas back into their native habitats.

Image/Story Source Credit: The Aspinall Foundation / YouTube

In an unexpected development, Damian and his wife, Victoria, recently tracked down two frightened gorillas they’d freed into the wilderness years before. Damian raised the two gorillas, Djalta and Ima, at Howletts Wild Animal Park in Kent while they were young. In 2003, they were freed as fully developed adults.

Damian wanted to take his wife to see the gorillas. He was aware of how possessive Western Lowland Gorillas can be, and they were afraid of entering their territory. Even though Damian had raised Djalta and Ima, there remained a risk that they may have rejected him. Ima softly took up Victoria and held her as she embraced him.

Image/Story Source Credit: The Aspinall Foundation / YouTube

Djalta’s recollection of human life via his experiences continues to surprise. It’s touching to see Chunk, Ima, and Djalta remember Damian and welcome his wife as a part of their family. These amazing creatures have unequaled emotional intelligence.

Image/Story Source Credit: The Aspinall Foundation / YouTube

This whole event is amazing, but it’s especially pleasurable to see. As people, we must always do everything we can to protect these animals and their natural habitats.

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