Before you get married to your significant other, you must know what you are about to get into. Victoria knew that zoo owner Damian Aspinall loved animals. However, she got the surprise of a lifetime when the time came to meet the pair of gorillas her soon-to-be-husband raised ten years ago.
What Happened When He Introduced New Wife To His Gorilla Family?
An Unusual Childhood
Damian Aspinall, unlike most of us, got to spend his childhood days surrounded by exotic animals. He had such an interesting upbringing since his dad John Aspinall founded the Howletts Wild Animal Park in 1957.
An Unusual Childhood
They Looked Out For Him
There was even a time when he could not get down from a tree. How did he in the end? Apparently, a gorilla placed young Damian on her back and climbed down to safety. She even wiped the tears from his eyes!
They Looked Out For Him
The Aspinall Foundation
Howletts Wild Animal Park was the project of the Aspinall Foundation. Aside from this, the organization also headed the opening of Port Lympne Wild Animal Park. The admirable agency is primarily focused on wildlife conservation promotion.
The Aspinall Foundation
Inheriting The Organization
Among other things, the agency runs a wonderful project that aims to reintroduce orphaned gorillas back into the Gabon wilderness. After John passed away, it was Damian’s turn to be the chairman. This was the time to do everything he wanted as a young boy.
Inheriting The Organization
Better Than Humans
What was his childhood like? Apparently, he felt closer to the animals instead of his peers. This was what he told Daily Mail: “You don’t get playdates when you’ve got tigers in the garden. The odd mate came, otherwise it was just me and the animals. To be perfectly honest, I’ve always felt disconnected, and humans inevitably let you down – animals never do. There’s more of an honesty and purity there.”
Better Than Humans
Furry Friends
Nonetheless, he still considers it to be “an extraordinarily blessed childhood.” He expounded, “We’ve got Super 8 films from the ’60s of me as a seven-year-old, playing with tigers and bison around a tree or tearing around the lawns with a gang of wolves.”
Furry Friends
Making His Own Fortune
Damian Aspinall is now a multimillionaire, but things used to be different. He had to go up the real estate ladder on his own since his father did not want to help him financially. After John died, the zoos would have suffered a terrible fate had Damian not done something about it.
Making His Own Fortune
A Burning Desire
He said, “You have to understand that when he died, there was no money in the bank and these parks were losing £4m a year. Now we have to find £10m a year. I can see why the other family members didn’t want to be involved. My brother and sister had no interest in animals, but I was compelled to do it.”
A Burning Desire
Raising Gorillas
Damian lent a hand at the zoo when he was growing up. He formed bonds with the gorillas he helped raise, but there were two male gorillas he was particularly close to: Ima and Dialta. He explained, “Both of the gorillas were planned to be moved back into the wild in a protected habitat.”
Raising Gorillas
His Family
Although Damian is now married to Victoria, he was once the husband of Louise Elizabeth Julia Sebag-Montefiore. They have two daughters between them: Clary and Tansy. There is also Freya, his teenage daughter with former girlfriend Donna Air.
His Family
Like Their Own Children
It was in August 2016 that Damian Aspinall and Victoria Fisher walked down the aisle in Tuscany, Italy. She knew that animals were part of the package when she said yes. Good thing she also liked animals! She revealed, “It might sound crazy but I genuinely love the wolves as if they were my own children. Kago even used to sleep in our bed!”
Like Their Own Children
Through Mutual Friends
They met at a dinner party. She didn’t know who he was but agreed to go out with him. “At the lunch date he had all these stories about Howletts so I Googled him afterward and couldn’t believe it all existed,” she admitted. She also said, “I wouldn’t naturally go for that sort of setup. And I don’t think anyone would have put us together on paper. Damian would say the same thing – neither of us was looking for the other.”
Through Mutual Friends
Looking For Djalta and Ima
Djalta and Ima had been in the wild for more than a decade by then. Damian was eager to see how they were doing. He already went on these expeditions before, but something was new this time…
Looking For Djalta and Ima
A Unique Trip
This trip was different since he was bringing his new wife with him on the trip. She must have felt a mix of emotions when she heard about the trip. Needless to say, it did not turn out as they expected it to.
A Unique Trip
Missing His Gorilla Friends
Djalta and Ima grew close to Damian when he was taking care of them at Howletts Wild Animal Park. The three of them had a special bond, but he wanted to know if it stuck after all these years.
Missing His Gorilla Friends
A Major Risk Involved
Damian knew that it could be a potentially dangerous expedition. He could not predict what fully grown gorillas would do when a stranger approaches them. He would not want Victoria to get hurt, of course.
A Major Risk Involved
Going To Gabon
In no time at all, the two were on their way to Gabon together with a bunch of experts. Damian felt both nervous and excited at the same time. Regardless, they continued with the plan and left the country.
Going To Gabon
Difficult Terrain
The crew then headed for the habitat in Gabon, but there were many things they needed to accomplish before they could look for Ima and Djalta. They had to trek through difficult terrain and take a boat ride.
Difficult Terrain
Off They Go
Everyone on the trip knew that it was possible to get injured along the way. However, this did not matter that much. However, they could not have foreseen how hard it was actually going to be.
Off They Go
The Quest For The Gorillas
They must have been glad the gorillas have GPS locators on their body, which was installed before their release. Even though it gave them a general location, it was not enough to narrow down a specific spot.
The Quest For The Gorillas
New Technological Innovations
The gorillas might have been well cared for, although that did not mean it was easy to look for them. They get spooked fairly easily as well. Luckily, Damian had something that would help in the search.
New Technological Innovations
Using Drones
As they could not find the gorillas’ location using the GPS locators, they tried their luck with drones. Damian connected it to his phone and surveyed the area for his old friends. Did it work?
Using Drones
Is It A Bird
Djalta and Ima must have been curious about this flying object. They came out of hiding to inspect what it was. The best thing about it was that the team could approach them via boat on the river bank!
Is It A Bird
In The Blink Of An Eye
As they approached, the two gorillas noticed them coming their way. They did not display aggressive behavior and only acted intrigued by what was going on. However, their behavior could change at a given moment.
In The Blink Of An Eye
At Long Last
Finally, it was time to see how the gorillas would feel about them. Of course, it was only natural for everyone to wonder what was next. Do you think they still remembered Damian? What was next?
At Long Last
Their Disposition
In general, Gorillas behave in a shy manner and hide from humans as much as possible. Nonetheless, these animals are strong and have the ability to kill us. Luckily, gorillas are hard to truly provoke.
Their Disposition
What Happens Next
When they came closer to the river bank where the two were standing, they went to retrieve the drone. After all, they did not want to overstimulate the gorillas. What was going to happen next for the team?
What Happens Next
How Would They React?
We are sure you want to find out what happened when Ima and Djalta got to see Damian. Did they even recognize him? How would they feel about Victoria? Keep reading to find out what happened next.
How Would They React?
Putting The Plan To Action
Damian had to be the first of them to attempt contact with the gorillas. Who knows, they might still recall him from all those years ago. He exited the boat and crossed the river to approach the two.
Putting The Plan To Action
Grunting Noises
Damian took on an approach to seem less threatening. He crouched down so as not to be any taller than Iwa and Djalta. Not only did they behave, but they also started to make sounds familiar to Damian!
Grunting Noises
Friendly Noises
Those grunting or gurgling noises they made had been friendly sounds. It was now clear to everyone there whether they recalled their old caretaker or not. However, how did they feel about his new wife?
Friendly Noises
Slow And Steady
Damian felt they were fine with his presence, so he decided to introduce Victoria to them. She approached them slowly. She later said, “I decided to gently ease my way ashore. I didn’t want to frighten them and I wanted to make sure that they were relaxed.”
Slow And Steady
Victoria Approaches
Damian waited for her by the riverbank. Victoria crossed the river to get to him and only had several feet to wade when he told her to stand still. He first wanted to check that they would not be aggressive.
Victoria Approaches
Slowly But Surely
Even though it ended in a happy reunion, they were not comfortable with him immediately. That was why he wanted to do things right when it came to his wife. However, one of the gorillas made a noise.
Slowly But Surely
Moving Closer
It was the same gurgling sound they made for him! They took it to mean that they were not about to harm Victoria. He told her to come closer since everything appeared to be fine.
Moving Closer
Welcome To The Family
Damian could tell that the noise was their way of telling him they liked Victoria. If that was not enough, they also approached her and began to nuzzle her face. They clearly had no problems with her.
Welcome To The Family
Gentle Nuzzles & Warm Hugs
The gorillas were friendly to Victoria and Damian. They had been generous with all the nuzzles and hugs! Unfortunately, the time came when the lovebirds had to leave for the day. They would return, of course.
Gentle Nuzzles & Warm Hugs
The Following Day
Damian and Victoria returned to the area the following day to spend more time with Djalta and Ima. It’s a good thing the gorillas were right there! Ima approached Victoria and started to make the sounds again.
The Following Day
They Began To Play
Ima and Victoria embraced each other and began to play with one another. They sure liked each other, that much was clear. However, what came after this moment took both Damian and Victoria by surprise.
They Began To Play
Hat Trick
Ima grabbed her hat, looked it over, and then put it on top of his head. Don’t you think that behavior is very human-like? Well, everyone got to enjoy it since it was caught on camera and posted online!
Hat Trick
Viral
After the video was posted on YouTube, it received about 12 million views. Damian and Victoria did not expect it to be such a hit. They got some attention already, but this one propelled them to more fame.
Viral
Where They Live
Gorillas are found only in the African tropical rainforests. There are eastern and western gorillas, who are speculated to have been separated during the Ice Age. They have developed unique characteristics over time. Gorillas only head out in search of food and really on the forest for everything else.
Where They Live
Rapid Decline
In the last two and a half decades, the population of western lowland gorillas faced a 60% drop. It’s hard to give an exact number since they are shy, although humans and diseases are generally to blame.
Rapid Decline
To This Day
Poachers tend to hunt them down for trophies, sport, and meat. At this point, all gorilla species are endangered or critically endangered. We are glad for people like Damian who try to make things better.
To This Day
Gorillas Are Generally Gentle
Gorillas are generally shy primates with reservations about making contact with our kind. The creatures will prefer to stay away from you as much as possible. As you can see, this story is a special case.
Gorillas Are Generally Gentle
A Rare Case
Gorillas can also be dangerous when they are provoked, so make sure to stay away. You should avoid them since you are probably not an expert. They can act aggressively when they feel scared of you.
A Rare Case
Bluff Charge
Gorillas might act violently to keep predators away when they feel threatened or get surprised. Silverback male gorillas will roar loudly and make bluff charges. Watch out because they can run incredibly fast and bite you!
Bluff Charge
Prince William And Damian
We bet you are already aware that Damian Aspinall is a star conservationist. Even Prince William himself dropped by the rhino conservation he owns in 2012 thanks to his passion for animals. How great is that?
Prince William And Damian
Becoming An Aspinall
In the UK, the Aspinalls are a pretty famous family known best for their conservation work. Damian’s wife Victoria has even appeared in a variety of magazines to show us what her life is actually like.
Becoming An Aspinall
Absolutely Smitten
It must be hard to move into a home full of wild animals, but Victoria managed to pull it off. Yes, even when Damian had baby cubs in the bed with him! Although it must have been a big change, she did not mind all that much.
Absolutely Smitten
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve
Do not forget to consider the 4-star Port Lympne Hotel when you drop by. The Aspinall family also runs it. You can find it in the safari reserve among the gardens. The lion will be looking at you when you wake up.
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve
Dining Experience
You can also choose to grab a meal at this wonderful restaurant at the Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve. You will get a memorable night for only $300! This is something you will remember forever.
Dining Experience
Freya Follows In Her Father’s Footsteps
Freya, the youngest of Damian’s daughters, is like his father in some ways. The charitable animal-lover also helps when possible, although she is now busy working on her modeling career. She happens to be the youngest person with a Storm contract.
Freya Follows In Her Father’s Footsteps
Tansy Also Has A Love For Animals
This was what 30-year-old Tansy Aspinall said: “From the cottage, you can see the gorillas. I started hanging out with them when I was really young – there are photographs of me riding on their backs – and I remember always feeling so comfortable around them. I never felt afraid or in any danger.”
Tansy Also Has A Love For Animals
Animals Galore
The Aspinall Foundation helped when it came to other animals as well. They also take care of lions, rhinos, monkeys, and even wolves. We are glad that it exists for the sake of these animals!
Animals Galore
A Joint Effort
For Damian, it was very important to look for a partner who liked conservation work as he did. He was able to find those things in Victoria after they met in a dinner party hosted by their mutual friend.
A Joint Effort
Good Publicity
Victoria Aspinall helps out by bringing the family and the foundation some good publicity. She has become the face of the companies, which is not a bad thing at all. They live such incredible lives!
Good Publicity
In Your Wildest Dreams
In December, the lovebirds took it upon themselves to feed Saba, a baby cub, every night before they went to bed. They treated her like their very own child, and it was adorable. Victoria posted this photo on Instagram with this caption: “Nightfeeds for baby Saba last December…the cutest #family”.
In Your Wildest Dreams
Daddy’s Girl
It seems like Freya takes great pride in the things her father has accomplished. She has called him her greatest role model and said she wants to be half the person that he is. How sweet!
Daddy’s Girl
Towards The Future
The Aspinall family and their fantastic foundation are behind some of the most amazing wildlife conservation projects out there. The charity has continued to save lives even to this day. Don’t forget to check them out for more stories like this one!
Towards The Future