Freya Aspinall's journey to rewild gorillas in Congo | Aspinall Foundation
Vložit
- čas přidán 28. 05. 2024
- The Aspinall Foundation is dedicated to protecting endangered animals around the world. It has rewilded over 300 animals, including 70 gorillas, and it is the only organisation in the world to rewild gorillas.
17-year-old Freya Aspinall went to The Congo for the first time to visit gorillas that The Aspinall Foundation rescued.
Freya's mission is to help her father, Damian Aspinall, to rewild and protect as many animals as possible.
---
Freya Aspinall, youngest daughter of prominent conservationist Damian Aspinall, has followed in the footsteps of her father and grandfather, whose special relationships with wild animals have made headlines for generations.
Freya, herself already a dedicated conservationist at just 17-years-old, joined an Aspinall Foundation rewilding project team this spring to rewild a male gorilla named Joshi.
The 13-year-old, 30-stone gorilla was born just a few meters from Freya’s childhood home at Howletts Wild Animal Park and the pair have known each other for most of Freya’s life.
The team translocated Joshi from Howletts Wild Animal Park in the Kent countryside to the lush jungles of Lesio-Louna Reserve, Congo-Brazzaville. There, he will be introduced to a pair of orphaned gorillas rescued by The Aspinall Foundation and the trio will form a new group living in an area of protected wilderness.
Freya and her father accompanied Joshi on his journey before heading to visit the gorilla orphanage established by her grandfather.
The orphanage, built by The Aspinall Foundation in 1989, was the world’s first gorilla orphanage. It was established following a 1987 agreement between the charity and the Ministry of Forestry of the Congo to allow the Aspinall Foundation to begin its work to protect the western lowland gorilla. Since then, the charity has rescued over 80 orphaned gorillas - usually traumatised, weak and depressed following the devastating loss of their family group, most often to the bush meat trade and poaching.
Freya said: “It was such a privilege to see these young gorillas thriving at the orphanage after being saved from heart-breaking circumstances. My visit to Joshi was particularly poignant, having seen him born and grow up at Howletts. It was so fantastic to see him acclimatising so well to life in the Congo.
“The team here are incredibly dedicated, and the success of the Foundation’s Gorilla Protection Project is testament to that.”
The Aspinall Foundation has reintroduced over 70 gorillas back into the wild, including 26 who travelled from its two parks, Port Lympne and Howletts in Kent. Many have formed new family groups and are producing young. In total, more than 35 babies have been born in the wild across the charity’s projects in Congo and Gabon.
I remember when Damien took his other daughter Tansy, to see the gorillas she hadn't seen in 12 years, since she was 10. And when he took his wife Victoria, to meet them. If you haven't seen those videos they're a must watch. Very touching.
The Aspinals are a wonderful people helping these beautiful , amazing animals!
What gorilla doing
This is the most heart warming thing I have ever seen. This is what I want to work towards, conservation of all species.
What a lovely human you all are
It’s wonderful to see how they handle her. They are much stronger than she is, yet they play with her gently. They’re smart.
Omg is beautiful to enjoy this amazing gorrillas
Thank you Mr Aspinall and Freida
Dislikes are coming from zoo supporters. They would rather see these gorgeous creatures behind a glass behaving unnatural. This is what conservation/preservation is. Thank you Mr. Aspinall for all your work.
He is keeping up the good work his father started and it's amazing to see Freya carrying on the family tradition 👍🥇
Nah, conservation is cloning that Przewalski horse to boost it's numbers and gene pool, plus restoring the Mammoth Steppe to curb climate change.
That humor aside, I understand the arguments for and against zoos. It is true that they did help in preserving species. The Przewalski horse, Scimitar oryx and Red wolf died out in the wild and only survived in captivity for years. Same for Pére David's deer and European bison.
Plus the classic argument of "people wanting them to get dumped in the woods and get poached to bushmeat" is quite common.
Q
0
Ww
Absolutely amazing…. I am so happy these remarkable gorillas don’t have to live their life in captivity
What a nice video.
We need to make sure their ecosystem is intact,for them to thrive
This is amazing. Freya is as beatifull and kind like her Mum.
And these two little 🦍🦍
brought tears to my eyes.
I love them. ❤️♥️🦍♥️❤️
An ex introduced me to the wonder of primates and how special their relationships are. What dear creatures on this earth.
Outstanding, the late GREAT Steve Irwin, would have Loved that.
This has put a big smile on my face
God bless all of you for the work you do for this beautiful endangered species.
your doing what al zoos should be doing protecting the habitats and reintroducing the animals back home.
All while paying 10% of the charities total income on the owners wife for “interior design services” according to the press.
@@williamj8349 a
@@williamj8349 talk about facts instead of gossip. Are you a zoo owner? Or probably just a brainwashed zoo supporter who believes that it’s better to breed these creatures for a miserable unnatural life with constant human interference instead of getting the opportunity to live semi free/free and thrive on their native habitat.
What an amazing video
It is beautiful that 3 generations of this family have formed bonds with amazing animals. 20 years ago I had the amazing experience of spending some time with mountain gorillas in Uganda.
Oh my, that had to be very fulfilling.
🥰Love gorillas and the effort, time and money you have put into their conservation.
Eu amo gorilas... Parabéns pelo seu maravilhoso trabalho e pelo espetacular canal... Obrigado...❤️🦍❤️👏👋🌄🇧🇷
How beautiful! Thank you for your kindness to the gorillas. If only more people loved animals. ♥️
God Bless you Freya.. I wish I was with you xo
Thank you doing what you do
This is the most wonderful thing I have ever seen. 🥰 This is the only environment I ever wish to see these beautiful animals.
Moments of grace to witness these unique encounters. Thanks for sharing this. Life is worth it.
So amazing. During my whole life, since I was a child, I was fascinated of gorillas, orang uthas and chimpanzees.
Thank you for your imprtant work to protect these lovely animals.
Thank you for what you do
I think Freya has quite the future ahead of her, skies the limit.
This was such a wonderful story of human kindness and support for our cousins of the animal kingdom. Thank you so much for your dedication, compassion and understanding and for sharing your journey with us 🕊️🩵🙏🏽
That's amazing the the gorilla's aren't forced to interact they do it in there own time, there own choice SO BEAUTIFUL 👌♥️
What gorilla doing
Amazing
I am in absolute awe of what they have done in Africa by doing this.. Fantastic work guys..
Big respects, may all animals live in peace.
That was soo awesome I love it
How sweet,,,for sure the gorillas will be sad not to see freya...They are blessed ..stay healthy and happy
The Aspinall Foundation are my heroes
Thank you aspinal for your determination in protecting animals and rewilding them. I want to do what you did. But I don't have that big capacity. So I just do something in my little own way by planting trees in our family lot to give shades for birds.
Wow!!! This is my dream, I hope it will come true someday... Thank you for giving these gorillas their best life 💜💜🙏🏻
Oklkg
Awww!! This is so heartwarming. I have loved Gorillas, Elephants and some monkeys for my whole life
Freya is so special and such a BEAUTIFUL girl on the inside and the outsude! Daddy is so lucky to have her to carry on his legacy, to STOP HIM FROM DROWNING😂😂 , funny...not funny, too be one with Gods creatures!
Sending lots of ❤ from Granny from Canada! !!
So beautiful! She has this spirit that animals love 🥹❤️
You are absolutely amazing your commitment to rewilding & the protection of species is truly gods work. Thank you 🙏🏼
What gorilla doing
so beautiful...wish I could have a chance to go to a jungle and see those gorillas
How beautiful to see how easily the gorillas create a bond with Freya. Why I say they create a bond with her, is because I believe it's their choice, she has someyhing amazing that they attune too! What a lovely experience this must be, thankyou for the video, they are remarkable creatures and this was a very special way to see them in their own habitat!
How wonderful is this xx
Thank you to share this amazing video with all of us. You all do a fantastic job. I like your daily commitment and dedication and your infinite love for the gorillas. I would like to be a part of this happiness and joy.
Gracias dios mío por traer personas buenas al mundo. Hacen falta más personas así
Exactly, all wild animals belong in the wild nature. Out there and their own environment. 👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️😍
Dear Aspinwall team,
Great job educating people with your journey.
That was so beautiful 🤩
What I wouldn’t give to be with gorillas 🦍 playing. So lovely. Very, very lucky girl ❤
Wonderful to see 👏👏👍😍❤️
Wonderful Freya don't let anyone bring you down girl power
If animals can give so much of 💕😘love what happen to humans that we can see people being blown apart what a sad world for human beings
An amazing experience, thank you for letting us be part of it 😍
Absolut großartig das es Menschen gibt die sich so um die Tiere kümmern.
awwwwwww, this made me cry a happy tear, what lovely people you all are with beautiful big hearts, bless you, I love to see humans and animals getting on together, this is how it should be everywhere❤️
What gorilla doing
It's like they recognized she was the younger one and like them. Like getting a new neighbor who has a kid and going over the next day to ask if they can play
Wow, absolutely wonderful.
I know it's not possible but I'd love to go with and meet the gorillas. Freya is a beautiful girl with a beautiful heart and the gorillas love her. ❣️🦍❣️
What lucky daughters you have.
Thank you for protecting animals
Beautiful ❤❤❤
I'm moved to tears, tears of joy. My fondest memories are of my interactions with wild animals. When a bird in my hand, nesting freely of its own will into my palm and turns and looks me in the eye I know I am seeing a conscious being, what the Bible calls a 'person' recognizing me as a conscious being also and trusting me. How can anyone having realized this ever disrespect another living being?
A friend of mine in New Mexico many years ago taught me that when he hunts he has first to look the animal in the eye just as the animal is looking him in the eye. If the animal runs you don't shoot it. But if the animal then turns and presents itself to you it is saying it is willing to become you. They are not afraid and they do not die in a state of fear, poisoned by adrenaline coursing through their blood as those who are fleeing in fear. And the hunt itself is not an ego thrilled with the kill.
A huge difference in the culture of being that so called advanced societies are so arrogantly ignore - ant of. But we are awakening in consciousness. I see it in spite of the terrible extremes of stupidity still being expressed across the globe. We are progressing but will it be fast enough to recover a Paradise of compassion, respect, delight and true Joy that your film has just shown?
This is so beautifull!!!
So awesome!!!
Omg I would give anything to do this. Gorillas are my favorite. Always have been. But it hurts me beyond belief that anyone could kill these beautiful animals.
You can help by donating or sharing this video or signing petitions......please help the gorillas
She’s such a beauty like her mother and she has a beautiful soul like her father, how amazing her future will be to save these wonderful animals, help conservation and even through her privilege the latest handbag or shoes isn’t her priority.
Wonderful well done guys so proud of yr achievements amazing bond!!!!
Lovely to see the gorilla gang free happy at play especially after diane fossey's hard work sacrifice 🦧🦍🐒🐵 all her efforts were not in vain merci !!!! Xxx🥂🍹🌈🌠🌞🌝🎀🎁🎈🎆🍾🦍🦍🦍
I’m legit jealous
aaahhhh...so cute..!!!
I love the work you all do!! Keep doing God’s work!! 🥰♥️
Please keep your religious talk out of this. Thanks!
What god would stand and watch these beautiful animals being slaughtered......grow up
@@DwnGoz what gorilla doing
@@DwnGoz what gorilla doing
Wife reply. I agree the Gorillaz should be in their own habitat. It's poacher's who should be behind bars. For life
God bless you and the animals.
wow, so nice to see this😊 and the message it sends changing mentality of younger generation 💪
How absolutely beautiful! ❤️
Thank you
Que hermosos ❤❤❤❤
Beautiful love and emotions between humans and gorillas, so wonderful to see!
YAAAAYYYYY!!!
Plot twist her dad's actually Tarzan 😄🤣
God bless you guys ❤❤❤
Who came here actually expecting “the” Gorillaz? Lmao
You
@@twwoody813 somebody was recently born
How amazing is this! X
stay safe y'all..
I want to work for you.
Love to see
There's a Freya Aspinal page on Facebook that I don't know the validity of. Can you help?
Wondering that myself
This is off-topic, but there's this Silverback gorilla, named Ujiji, I'm worried about. He was transferred from Howletts / Port Lympne to South Korean Seoul Grand Park Zoo in 2012. Judging by the video clips of him he's not doing well: he has lost patches of hair from both of his arms symmetrically and now he has also lost weight. Could this be explained by anxiety or some stress-related problem or is it an autoimmune disease Ujiji has always had? Maybe he's lonely, his only companion is this older female gorilla with whom he doesn't seem to have a proper relationship.
It's been 4 months since you posted this comment. Have you been informed about what's wrong with him or do you have any updates?
@@auglazeallday5335 No, I have no updates / info on Ujiji. I haven't seen any new videos about him either for many months. I just hope that he's ok and that I was overreacting with my worry... He's such a cute and lovely Silverback.
@@auglazeallday5335 I just found out that Ujiji has passed away on the 3rd of October 😢He was only 28. So there was something wrong with him, but I don't know what. The cause of his death is not told anywhere. At least he's now free from suffering.
@@Johanna040713 Very sad 😔
Thank you for letting me know.
Lovely video. Wondering, does playing with wild gorillas like this, showing them the love they so they rightfully deserve, increase the risk they will see other humans as friends? People that might mean them harm?
It’s unlikely as Damian is very careful about introducing himself and his own family to them. They are slowly socializing. The poachers go in with guns and create havoc and horrible fear
How did they find her)
Gps from their iphones
😀😀😀😀😀😁😁😁😁😇😇
Freya... is it you... it's Ares11. !
💙💙💙💙💙💙💟💟💟💟💟💟
อยากชมคลิปของพวกเขาอีกความเป็นอยู่ของพวกเขาเรื่อยๆรักมากๆ
No, I think the dislikes come from folk who see peeps fly in to play with the apes then fly out again.
It must be great to reconnect with apes from your past but there's no common pastime for either species to spend all day with each other. It looked strained and it took the apes out of their natural daily routine, if you follow.
Id usually say people like this are fool hearty..but even tho i dont think its smart for them or the irwins to get all close the rewilding work they do is helping us all we rebalance nature ..we can reverse or try n reverse the damage and maybe save ourselves..its gonna get us one day climate change
I LOVE YOU GAYS, YOU DO AMAZING!!! I WICH I COULD BE THERE WITH YOU...
We, the gays, are going to a parade wanna come?
@@noway5096 what gorilla doing
ฉันรักพวกเขาเหมือนคุณแต่ไม่มีโอกาสที่ได้ใกล้ชิดเล่นกับเขาได้เหมือนพวกคุณช่างโชคดีมากค่ะ
Are they actually in the wild or on a conservation area? Because, from what I understand, humans should have as little contact with endangered animals as possible. Because if not they, in this case, the gorillas, will not fear humans & make themselves vulnerable to poachers ... isn’t that defeating the whole purpose?
These gorilla's know Damian and Freya from when they were at Porte Lymph reservation They were raised there then returned to this place 👍👍
They are on a reservation in the wild
Ok. Do you feel better now.?
Suprising you couldn't figure that out
Conservation area which gives them more protection against poachers but not invulnerable unfortunately. They will have locals who live in the area year round working for them usually. It’s still technically the wild, just in an area that is protected. Dropping off animals purely in the wild has a poor success rate due to poaching or them not being able to adapt so places like this are a good middle ground.
What gorilla doing
@@TheAshleighash what gorilla doing
easy easy you got mil, what do we have the tax peasants.
Wonder if these people eat animals?🤔
There was bacon on dinner table, so yes, humans eat meat.
What is your point? Are you doing more to help animals than they are?
Don't reply that you're a vegetarian cause that isn't doing more.
@@auglazeallday5335 I believe it to be hypocrisy „loving“ animals while still cutting their throat and eat them.. don‘t you think?
@@seitan6664 NO! 100% NO!
I'm a lifelong hunter and pet owner. I practice my skill to ensure the animal I'm harvesting feels little/no pain. I only harvest animals I'm allowed to harvest, I never take shots I'm not 100% sure I have lined up with a good shot and I never harvest more than my family or I can eat.
If this is true and it is then the other can be true too. Just because a person eats meat doesn't make them a bad person. Hell, our ancestors never would've transcended into what we are today without eating meat.
@@auglazeallday5335 The cognitive dissonance is so, so strong. 😬 I love my friends, so I would never hurt them in any way. I love my family, so I would never hurt them in any way. You absolutely cannot claim to "love" animals, if you literally KILL them, or pay for them to be killed. Let's flip the script: Imagine if someone said "I didn't want my husband to suffer, so I shot him in the head in order for him to die instantly, without any pain. And then I ate him." Does that make any sense? Is any of that okay? Absolutely not. So no, you do not love, nor respect animals. Their lives mean absolutely nothing to you. You only "love" your pets, because you have been brainwashed by speciesism. You value the lives of cats and dogs, but not farm animals, not deer, not any others. If a dog or cat was shot, or had their throats slit, there would be an enormous public outrage over it... But no one cares when it happens to billions of farm animals every year. This is because you have been conditioned, indoctrinated to believe that these animals do not matter at all. Did you know that pigs are more intelligent than the average 3 year old child, and that they understand how to play computer games? Proven through clinical studies; you can watch the videos and read the research papers. Did you know that chickens can recognize and remember hundreds of human faces? Did you know that cows cry actual tears (just like us) when they are afraid, and sense impending doom before being slaughtered? There are plenty of videos and photos of them crying out of pure fear and distress. Dogs cannot even remotely compare to the intelligence of farm animals- yet you do not value their lives...because you are speciesist, and only value the lives of pets. ALL animals deserve to live. All animals have families of their own, and feel joy, pain, sadness, even depression, just like we do. So, it's time to be honest with yourself, and realize how illogical and hypocritical your statements are. Karma is real, and people who choose to commit/contribute to the unnecessary suffering of innocent, sentient beings will have to face the same pain that they caused others eventually. What goes around comes around; the energy you put out into this world, is what returns to you. Full circle. And this is why I choose compassion, and unconditional love.