For 15 years, conservationist Damian Aspinall has been working to reintroduce captive gorillas to the wild. In 2003, Damian released Djalta and Bimms — two western lowland gorillas he raised from when they were babies — into the forests of West Africa. Over the years, Damian revisited the pair of gorillas, but his daughter Tansy hadn't seen them in 12 years. So, in 2014, Damian brought Tansy into the wild to try and find Djalta and Bimms. He wasn't sure if they would remember Tansy, the once little girl who was raised right alongside her gorilla friends.
"I was considering whether it was safe for Tansy to come on land and see Djalta and Bimms," Damian says in the following video. After all, gorillas are the largest species of primates and are known for their incredible strength and tendency to attack when provoked. But after spending a few peaceful moment with the pair, Damian felt it was okay for Tansy to reunite with them. He ushers her over to the thick forest of which Djalta and Bimms call home. Tansy slowly makes her way over, a bit hesitant at first — but within minutes, something absolutely incredible begins to take shape.
This is one of those videos that stays with you over time. It's a powerful reminder of the magnificence that lives within the Animal Kingdom. Please enjoy, and SHARE this amazing reunion with your friends on Facebook!
