In a touching and emotional moment, Freya Aspinall, the 20-year-old daughter of Donna Air, posted a heartfelt video of herself feeding treats to two gorillas she has known since she was born. This moving scene exemplifies not only the love and respect shared between humans and animals but also serves as a beautiful testament to the trust, connection, and family values that Freya has inherited from her father and grandfather.
The video features Freya sitting alongside the gorillas—Silverback Kifu, 36, and Tambabi, 35—at Howletts Wild Animal Park in Bekesbourne, Kent, where Freya grew up surrounded by wildlife. In the footage, Freya gently offers treats to the gorillas, akin to caring for young children, a simple yet profound act that illustrates the deep bond she shares with these magnificent beings. The trio appears completely relaxed together within the gorillas’ enclosure, a space that has been integral to Freya’s life for as long as she can remember.
Freya’s relationship with the gorillas dates back to her earliest days, when her father, Damian Aspinall, a well-known conservationist, introduced her to the animals. Damian inherited a profound love for wildlife from his father, John Aspinall, who established Howletts Wild Animal Park in 1956. John’s philosophy of fostering close, respectful interactions between humans and animals has been passed down to his son and now to Freya, who, like her father, is committed to conservation.
For Freya, the connection with Kifu and Tambabi transcends mere interaction with animals; it embodies the values that have shaped her life. Since her birth, Freya has been part of a family legacy devoted to animal welfare, and her bond with the gorillas vividly illustrates this legacy in action. As she offered treats, one of the gorillas even reached out its hand in a seemingly playful request for more, a moment that beautifully captured the trust and affection shared between the two species.
Howletts Wild Animal Park, founded by Freya’s grandfather, John Aspinall, has long served as a sanctuary where animals and humans coexist with mutual respect. The park stands as a testament to the Aspinall family’s dedication to conservation, and Freya’s interactions with the gorillas serve as a powerful reminder of the significance of nurturing these bonds. As the video illustrates, such connections are not formed overnight—they require years of trust, care, and respect. The park has stated that only Freya or her father, Damian, are permitted to enter the gorillas’ enclosure, highlighting the profound level of trust established over decades.
This type of interaction cannot be achieved merely by adhering to a set of rules or tricks. It is the culmination of years of dedication and care, a principle that Freya’s family has always understood. According to the park, “Nobody other than Freya or Damian enters their enclosure with them,” emphasizing the unique relationship that can only be shared by those who have built years of trust with the animals. The Aspinall family’s philosophy is clear: “No tricks, no shortcuts, just years of love, mutual respect, and trust.”
Growing up in this environment has profoundly influenced Freya’s identity. Surrounded by animals from birth, it is no surprise that she has chosen to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a passionate conservationist. Her deep connection with the gorillas, along with her work with other species at Howletts and Port Lympne Reserve, has solidified her role in the family’s mission to protect and preserve endangered species.
Freya is the only daughter of Damian and Donna, and her life has often been in the public eye due to her family’s fame and legacy in wildlife conservation. However, beyond the media attention, Freya has consistently remained dedicated to the cause. She has even opted to step away from traditional schooling to concentrate on conservation, a decision fully supported by her parents. Freya is being prepared to eventually take over her father’s role as chair of the Aspinall Foundation, continuing the vital work that has been passed down through generations.
Her passion for animals extends beyond the gorillas, as Freya has engaged with various species, from hand-raising cheetah cubs to spending time with giraffes and rhinos. Yet, despite her rising fame as a model, Freya emphasizes that her primary focus remains on conservation. She has been vocal about her desire to leverage her platform to raise awareness for ethical brands and conservation issues, rather than becoming just another “nepo baby” in the fashion industry. She often refers to herself as a “mini version” of her father, underscoring that her true passion lies in preserving wildlife and ensuring that future generations can experience the same bond with animals that she has been fortunate to enjoy.
This heartfelt connection with wildlife has defined Freya’s life, and it was prominently displayed in her recent interaction with the gorillas. The video, showcasing Freya feeding the gorillas and spending quality time with them, serves as a beautiful reminder of the importance of mutual respect and trust between humans and the animal kingdom. Freya’s relationship with Kifu and Tambabi transcends mere feeding; it symbolizes a deeper, lifelong bond nurtured over decades.
As Freya continues her conservation efforts, her message is clear: animals should not be viewed as pets or mere attractions, but as sentient beings deserving of respect and protection. The world would benefit greatly if more individuals embraced this philosophy, just as Freya has throughout her life. Through her actions and her family’s legacy, Freya Aspinall is demonstrating that the bonds we form with animals can be as meaningful and profound as those we share with other humans.
