She Knew Her Husband’s Gorillas Were Part Of The Package Deal But She Did Not Expect This

Published on 05/07/2019

When Victoria got married to Damian Aspinall, she knew that part of the package was his passion for animals! He was the owner of two zoos, so it would be an understatement that he was familiar with all sort of animals. Soon enough, he decided it was time for her to meet the gorillas he himself raised…

She Knew Her Husband’s Gorillas Were Part Of The Package Deal But She Did Not Expect This

An Unusual Childhood

Damian Aspinall had a childhood full of exotic animals.

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An Unusual Childhood

An Unusual Childhood

This was because his father John founded Howletts Wild Animal Park in the year 1957. It was in the 700-acre property in Kent that Damian grew up.

They Looked Out For Him

There was even a time he found himself stuck in some tree.

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They Looked Out For Him

His saving grace came in the form of a gorilla who got him back to the ground! He said she wiped his tears away and comforted him as well.

The Aspinall Foundation

Howletts Wild Animal Park started when John Aspinall created the charity organization Aspinall Foundation.

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The Aspinall Foundation

Its aim was the promotion of wildlife conservation and the launch of two zoos: Port Lympne Wild Animal Park and Howletts Wild Animal Park.

Inheriting The Organization

Another project by the organization was for orphaned gorillas. After his father passed away, Damian was the one to become the chairman.

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Inheriting The Organization

Inheriting The Organization

They reintroduced these poor animals back to the wild after rehabilitation. It was finally in his power to make his dream projects come true.

Better Than Humans

Damian does not recall having friends come ever during his childhood. He told the Daily Mail, “You don’t get playdates when you’ve got tigers in the garden.

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Better Than Humans

Better Than Humans

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.

Furry Friends

It might have been an odd one, but Damian said he experienced “an extraordinarily blessed childhood.

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Furry Friends

Furry Friends

” He said, “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.

Making His Own Fortune

Nowadays, Damian Aspinall has a net worth of millions of dollars. However, it was not like this when he was starting out in life.

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Making His Own Fortune

Making His Own Fortune

His father refused to help him financially, so he made a name for himself in real estate on his own. How did he manage to keep the zoo running when his dad did not leave him money?

A Burning Desire

Damian recalled, “You have to understand that when he died, there was no money in the bank and these parks were losing £4m a year.

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A Burning Desire

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.

Raising Gorillas

Growing up, he helped raise baby gorillas! He forged a special bond with them that could be compared to that of a father and child.

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Raising Gorillas

Raising Gorillas

There were two male gorillas he was particularly fond of. He said, “Both of the gorillas were planned to be moved back into the wild in a protected habitat.

His Family

Victoria is not Damian’s first wife. The former is now 30 years old and Clary is 27 years old.

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His Family

He was previously married to Louise Elizabeth Julia Sebag-Montefiore, with whom he has two daughters: Tansy and Clary. He has another daughter with ex-girlfriend Donna Air, a 16-year-old girl named Freya.

Like Their Own Children

Damian Aspinall and Victoria Fisher tied the knot in Tuscany in August 2016. The Burberry employee even joked that his love for animals was part of the package.

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Like Their Own Children

Like Their Own Children

However, she is also an animal lover and did not mind. ”It might sound crazy but I genuinely love the wolves as if they were my own children,” she remarked. “Kago even used to sleep in our bed!

Through Mutual Friends

They first met at a dinner party, where she soon agreed to a date with him. And I don’t think anyone would have put us together on paper.

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Through Mutual Friends

Through Mutual Friends

“At the lunch date he had all these stories about Howletts so I Googled him afterward and couldn’t believe it all existed,” she said, “I wouldn’t naturally go for that sort of setup. Damian would say the same thing – neither of us was looking for the other.

Looking For Djalta and Ima

At that point, it had been more than a decade since he reintroduced Ima and Djalta to the wild. He thought it was time to see how they were doing.

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Looking For Djalta and Ima

Looking For Djalta and Ima

It was not the first time he came to check up on them in the protected habitat.

A Unique Trip

The reason is because he planned to take Victoria with him! How exciting is that?

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A Unique Trip

Victoria was on her way to meet two gorillas important to her husband.

Missing His Gorilla Friends

When the two were still living at Howletts Wild Animal Park, they were close to Damian.

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Missing His Gorilla Friends

Missing His Gorilla Friends

They had a unique bond, although he was not sure if they would remember him. This is what he wanted to find out.

A Major Risk Involved

He also knew that adult gorillas could be dangerous.

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A Major Risk Involved

He was not sure how they would react with a stranger in their midst. Of course, he did not want to put his lovely new wife in a dangerous situation.

Going To Gabon

Damian was thrilled at the thought of reuniting with Ima and Djalta but nervous for Victoria.

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Going To Gabon

Going To Gabon

It didn’t take long before the couple, together with a team of experts, went to Gabon to go on a search mission.

Difficult Terrain

The team came to Gabon all the way from the United Kingdom.

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Difficult Terrain

They had plenty of things to do for the mission to be a success. They had to cross the challenging terrain and even take a boat ride!

Off They Go

However, none of them expected it to be difficult to determine the location of the gorillas.

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Off They Go

Everyone knew that there was a good chance they’ll get injured at some point, but it was not enough to stop them.

The Quest For The Gorillas

It sure was a smart idea for them to put GPS locators on the gorillas before they were set free.

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The Quest For The Gorillas

The Quest For The Gorillas

This made the search easier than it would’ve been. However, it still did not lead them to the specific location.

New Technological Innovations

The jungle was so dense that it was hard to find out where Ima and Djalta were.

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New Technological Innovations

New Technological Innovations

Moreover, Damian knew the best approach was to go slowly so they could avoid startling the gorillas. The others wanted to give up after searching to no avail, but he came prepared.

Using Drones

Since the GPS locators weren’t enough, he decided it was time to put his state-of-the-art drones to use.

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Using Drones

Using Drones

After connecting it to his smartphone, they surveyed the area for the pair of gorillas. At last, they spotted Djalta and Ima!

Is It A Bird

The object probably caught their attention as they then came out of the bushes. However, they did not show any aggression.

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Is It A Bird

Is It A Bird

They were cautious as they stepped out, looking more confused than anything. And that was the story of how they found Djalta and Ima by a riverbank.

In The Blink Of An Eye

They then saw the crew coming towards them on a boat.

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In The Blink Of An Eye

Ima and Djalta looked more intrigued than anything else. However, wild animals had a tendency to change their disposition as soon as they come.

At Long Last

The time to meet the gorillas finally arrived. Everyone was excited and nervous about this meeting.

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At Long Last

At Long Last

Would Ima and Djalta recognize Damian? Would they treat their human visitors with aggression? They were about to find out.

Their Disposition

Gorillas are shy animals that tend to stay away from us.

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Their Disposition

Their Disposition

However, they are strong creatures who could kill us when we provoke them! It’s a good thing it takes a lot to provoke them.

What Happens Next

As they approached the riverbank, they turned off the drone to avoid overstimulating the animals.

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What Happens Next

What Happens Next

The entire crew wanted to do everything as carefully as they possibly could, which is why they approached them slowly.

How Would They React?

Of course, there were many questions running through everyone’s heads at that specific point.

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How Would They React?

How would they act when they see the person who raised them? How would they react to a stranger like Victoria?

Putting The Plan To Action

Damian knew he needed to be the one to come to them as they might recognize him.

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Putting The Plan To Action

Putting The Plan To Action

However, 14 years is no joke. Although unsure about what would happen, he got out of the boat and waded the river.

Grunting Noises

Damian crouched to make sure he was not taller than they were.

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Grunting Noises

This was one way to appear less threatening, although they did not show aggression at all. In fact, they started making noises instead!

Friendly Noises

The noises were friendly ones! The grunt or gurgles were sounds he recognized.

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Friendly Noises

It seems that Djalta and Ima remembered him no matter how many years have passed. So, how did the meeting go for Victoria?

Slow And Steady

After seeing how comfortable they were in his presence, he knew it was time to take Victoria to them.

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Slow And Steady

Slow And Steady

“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,” she narrated.

Victoria Approaches

Damian was sitting on the riverbank as Victoria crossed to join the three of them.

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Victoria Approaches

Victoria Approaches

However, he suddenly asked her to stop as she was approaching them. He wanted to check first how they would react.

Slowly But Surely

It was not hard to see why he was concerned about the whole thing.

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Slowly But Surely

Slowly But Surely

Nonetheless, she kept going and then rested at the edge of the riverbank. However, things changed when they let out a guttural sound.

Moving Closer

Yup, that is right. They made the same noise they made for him!

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Moving Closer

Clearly, they were not going to harm Victoria in any way. Damian then asked her to come closer as everything seemed to be fine.

Welcome To The Family

Damian thought the noise signaled their acceptance of Victoria into the family.

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Welcome To The Family

Welcome To The Family

His theory was verified by the way that they approached and nuzzled her! It certainly seemed as if they liked his new wife.

Gentle Nuzzles & Warm Hugs

They were friendly with the couple, offering warm hugs and gentle nuzzles all around.

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Gentle Nuzzles & Warm Hugs

They decided it was time to get some rest and got on the boat once more. They weren’t abandoning them, however.

The Following Day

Ima seemed to have taken a particular liking to Victoria, judging by the noises he made.

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The Following Day

The Following Day

They returned to that area the next day, and they didn’t need to look far and wide as they stayed in the same spot as the day before.

They Began To Play

Victoria and Ima hugged and started to play together. Any guesses?

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They Began To Play

There is no doubt the two got along together very well. However, nothing could have prepared the couple for what was about to happen.

Hat Trick

Ima took her hat, looked at it, and then placed it on his own head!

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Hat Trick

Hat Trick

That sounds like something a silly person would do. Luckily, the interaction was recorded on tape and even made its way to YouTube.

Viral

In fact, the viral video garnered some 12 million views.

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Viral

Victoria and Damian likely had no idea the video was going to be such a hit. This was the video that took their fame to a whole new level!

Where They Live

Gorillas are found in African tropical rainforests. You will find eastern and western gorillas there. The highest record was a height of 4,000 meters!

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Where They Live

Where They Live

They have been apart for such a long time that they developed different characteristics. Did you know that mountain gorillas can climb tree line heights?

Rapid Decline

In the past 25 years, the western lowland gorilla population has suffered a 60% decrease.

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Rapid Decline

Rapid Decline

While it is hard to keep track because of their shyness, humans and diseases have caused the drop in population.

To This Day

Poachers continue to hunt the animals for meat, sport, or trophies.

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To This Day

At the moment, all species of gorillas are endangered. Damian hopes to make it better by creating gorilla habitats such as the one Djalta and Ima now live in.

Gorillas Are Generally Gentle

Gorillas are shy creatures who are not particularly fond of humans.

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Gorillas Are Generally Gentle

Gorillas Are Generally Gentle

The primates, however, will leave us alone if we do the same thing to them. As you can see, this is a special case!

A Rare Case

There are times when gorillas have been dangerous to us, though it is not usually their fault.

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A Rare Case

Only professionals should approach them. The same is true of the animal Freya Aspinall is in this photo with.

Bluff Charge

When gorillas feel surprised or threatened, it is their instinct to use violence for protection.

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Bluff Charge

Bluff Charge

Silverback male gorillas often respond with loud roars and bluff charges. Remember that they are fast and will bite you!

Prince William And Damian

Damian Aspinall has made a name for himself in the world of conservation.

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Prince William And Damian

Can you believe that he has even met Prince William? The royal visited the rhino conservation of the Aspinall Foundation in 2012.

Becoming An Aspinall

The Aspinalls are rather famous in the United Kingdom for their work in the field.

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Becoming An Aspinall

Victoria is also a gorgeous person who has appeared in various magazines. She has offered everyone a look into their amazing lives with their wild animals.

Absolutely Smitten

Man, how amazing would it be to get married to a person with wild animals in their home? Whoa.

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Absolutely Smitten

Apparently, Damian meant this literally as he slept with baby cubs before they are released into the wild!

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve

The Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is a 4-star hotel that the Aspinall family run.

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Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve

It is located inside the safari reserve, and guests can enjoy the view of the amazing gardens. This room looks pretty snazzy!

Dining Experience

It is also possible to dine at this restaurant when you stay at the hotel.

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Dining Experience

For $300 a night, it will be the experience of a lifetime! Safari passes are already included in the price, so what more can you ask for?

Freya Follows In Her Father’s Footsteps

Freya, Damian’s youngest child, is following in his footsteps. How amazing is that?

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Freya Follows In Her Father’s Footsteps

Although she is an animal lover, the teenager also works as a model. She is the youngest person Storm has ever signed, apparently!

Tansy Also Has A Love For Animals

Here is 30-year-old Tansy who fondly looks back on her time with wild animals as a child. She 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.

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Tansy Also Has A Love For Animals

” 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 supports her father’s passions for saving animals and believes it’s her duty to protect her endangered “family”. We wouldn’t be surprised if she one day runs the company.

Animals Galore

The Aspinall Foundation is not limited to gorillas, however. There are plenty of other animals there.

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Animals Galore

To list a few, they also take care of rhinos, lions, monkeys, and wolves! They raise these animals before reintroducing them to the wilderness later on.

A Joint Effort

Damian wanted to find someone who would be into conservation work like him.

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A Joint Effort

That was how he knew Victoria was the one for him. His love was cemented after he saw how much she cared about animals!

Good Publicity

Victoria is helping the family and the foundation by making magazine and interview appearances.

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Good Publicity

She has given us the opportunity to live vicariously through her eyes. It is always nice to hear what it is like to live such an incredible life.

In Your Wildest Dreams

In December, the couple had been bottle feeding a leopard cub named Saba before bed. They treated her like their own baby!

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In Your Wildest Dreams

This was the photo Victoria posted on Instagram about it.

Daddy’s Girl

Freya is proud of all the amazing things her father has done over the years.

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Daddy’s Girl

According to her, he is her role model. She hopes to grow up to be just like him. Isn’t that the sweetest thing ever?

Towards The Future

The Aspinall family continues to do a lot of good to the world with their conservation work.

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Towards The Future

The animal conservation charity saves lives with each passing day. Their dedication to the cause is highly commendable!