In a heartwarming and deeply emotional moment, Freya Aspinall, the 20-year-old daughter of Donna Air, shared a touching video of her feeding treats to two gorillas she has known since birth. This poignant scene is not just a display of love and respect between humans and animals, but a beautiful testament to the trust, connection, and family values that Freya has inherited from her father and grandfather.

The video captured Freya sitting beside the gorillas—Silverback Kifu, 36, and Tambabi, 35—at Howletts Wild Animal Park in Bekesbourne, Kent, a place where Freya grew up surrounded by animals. In the video, Freya gently hands over treats to the gorillas as if caring for young children, a simple yet powerful act that conveys the deep bond she shares with these magnificent creatures. The trio appears completely at ease with one another as they relax together inside the gorillas’ enclosure, a space that has been a part of Freya’s life for as long as she can remember.

The relationship between Freya and the gorillas goes back to her earliest days, when her father, Damian Aspinall, a renowned conservationist, introduced her to the animals. Damian himself inherited a deep love for wildlife from his father, John Aspinall, who founded Howletts Wild Animal Park in 1956. John’s philosophy of close, respectful interactions between humans and animals was passed down to his son and now to Freya, who, like her father, has dedicated her life to conservation.

For Freya, the bond with Kifu and Tambabi is more than just a connection with animals; it is a reflection of the values that have shaped her life. Since birth, Freya has been part of a family legacy dedicated to animal welfare, and her relationship with the gorillas is a vivid example of this legacy in action. As she handed over treats, one of the gorillas even reached out its hand in a seemingly playful request for more, a moment that captured the beauty of trust and affection between the two species.

Howletts Wild Animal Park, which was founded by Freya’s grandfather, John Aspinall, has long been a sanctuary where animals and humans coexist with mutual respect. The park is a testament to the Aspinall family’s commitment to conservation, and Freya’s interaction with the gorillas is a powerful reminder of the importance of nurturing these bonds. As the video shows, this kind of connection doesn’t happen overnight—it takes years of trust, care, and respect. The park explained that no one other than Freya or her father, Damian, is allowed to enter the gorillas’ enclosure, underscoring the deep level of trust that has been built over decades.

This kind of interaction is not something that can be achieved by simply following a set of rules or tricks. It is the result of years of dedication and care, something that Freya’s family has always understood. According to the park, “Nobody other than Freya or Damian enters their enclosure with them,” highlighting the unique relationship that only those who have built years of trust with the animals can share. The Aspinall family’s philosophy is clear: “No tricks, no shortcuts, just years of love, mutual respect, and trust.”

For Freya, growing up in this environment has shaped who she is today. She was surrounded by animals from the moment she was born, and 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, as well as her work with other animals at Howletts and Port Lympne Reserve, has solidified her place 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 spotlight due to her family’s fame and legacy in the world of wildlife conservation. But beyond the headlines, Freya has always remained committed to the cause. She has even chosen to step away from traditional schooling to focus on conservation, a decision her parents fully support. Freya is being groomed to one day take over her father’s position as chair of the Aspinall Foundation, continuing the important work that has been passed down through the generations.

Her love for animals extends beyond the gorillas, as Freya has been involved with a variety of species, from hand-raising cheetah cubs to spending time with giraffes and rhinos. Yet, despite her growing fame as a model, Freya insists that her primary focus remains on conservation. She has been outspoken about her desire to use her platform to raise awareness for ethical brands and conservation issues, rather than becoming just another “nepo baby” in the fashion world. She often describes herself as a “mini version” of her father, emphasizing that her true passion lies in preserving wildlife and ensuring that future generations can experience the same bond with animals that she has had the privilege to enjoy.

This heartfelt connection with wildlife has defined Freya’s life, and it was on full display in her recent interaction with the gorillas. The video, where Freya feeds the gorillas and spends 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 is not just about feeding them treats—it is a symbol of a deeper, lifelong bond that has been nurtured over decades.

As Freya continues her work in conservation, her message is clear: animals are not to be seen as pets or mere attractions, but as sentient beings deserving of respect and protection. The world would be a better place if more people embraced this philosophy, just as Freya has done throughout her life. Through her actions and her family’s legacy, Freya Aspinall is proving that the bonds we form with animals can be as meaningful and deep as those we share with other humans.