Breastfeeding Mama Goes Viral Online After Encounter While Nursing Near Orangutan At A Zoo
Gemma Copeland’s zoo visit in Vienna turned into the kind of moment people do not forget. She was traveling with her baby son, enjoying a family trip that was already special, when a quick stop at the Schönbrunn Zoo led to an unexpected scene at the enclosure window.
While Copeland nursed her hungry child, an orangutan wandered over and seemed to take an interest in the pair. The encounter quickly drew attention online, especially because it happened at one of the world’s oldest zoos and sparked a bigger conversation about breastfeeding in public.
Then the photos and Copeland’s reaction made the whole thing even more memorable.
I couldn't love this more.
This is the status Copeland posted about her encounter.
How could you not be?
She did what any mama would do.
Copeland dives in and tells all,
“My breastfeeding experiences in public have been diverse; some people look curious, others content, and the odd negative one. Once, I was asked to cover my little boy while he was feeding, to which I responded by handing over a spare muslin and asking them if they minded covering their shallow-minded selves. This quickly ended the situation, leaving me to enjoy my coffee and bond with my son.”
The zoo in which this magical moment took place was founded in 1752 and is the oldest continuously operated zoo in the entire world. It takes great pride in being a "scientifically administered establishment that sees its main purpose as a center for species conservation and general nature conservation." So it is truly the perfect spot for this encounter, as breastfeeding is as old as the human race; it is the sole purpose of women's breasts.
The breast sexualizing culture is something created by man, to be frank, to make money.
“I would like to think Vienna chose us as opposed to us choosing Vienna,” Gemma said. “When searching for our trip, I had no destination in mind, but it proved to be a life-changing choice, as little did we know what was about to happen.”
And we applaud you for doing so!
#normalizebreastfeeding
As a breastfeeding mama myself for almost five consecutive years, you can only imagine my heart leapt with glee when I first saw the photos.
It is our biological duty to give our children the very best start to life that we can offer; that beginning is literally fueled by breast milk.
Unfortunately, breastfeeding rates are at a gut-punching low due to a lack of knowledge and research by those in the medical field who could really make all the difference.
I implore you, mamas, to do your research on breastfeeding. Then turn around and do your research on your provider.
Be careful to choose a pro-breastfeeding provider and not settle for a breastfeeding-tolerant one. It's easy to get the two mixed up, so stay diligent and always, always ask questions.
Your doctor could easily be the difference in your breastfeeding success or limited amount of success.
So much love.
What a shocking number!
Hats off to you for bringing awareness.
Even a small amount could make a huge difference.
I've made it my personal mission to aid any mama that needs it within her breastfeeding journey.
God knows there's a plethora of things that could potentially go 'wrong'; however, they're almost always manageable, and I promise you there is an answer!
I frequent this website often for tips, tricks, and answers to questions I may have. But please don't stop there; seek until you find the answers you're looking for.
Trust your mama gut instincts; they're never wrong!
And if you want the softer side, the elephant herd welcoming a newborn calf is pure family magic.
Thank you for bringing awareness to #normalizebreastfeeding
Amid the awareness, Copeland decided she wanted to raise money for the orangutans.
“I’ve been given an opportunity and a platform to attempt to make a change, so I’d like to raise money for the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of the orangutan,” the animal lover said.
These great apes share 96.4% of our genes. So not only are they incredibly intelligent, but they also use sophisticated tools and build elaborate sleeping nests each night from foliage and branches.
Orangutans have been intensely studied for their advanced learning abilities, and research suggests there may be distinctive cultures within the populations.
However, as of now, all three orangutan species are critically endangered. As you can imagine, humans are definitely to blame for their devastating decline.
Threats to wild orangutans include habitat destruction for palm oil, poaching, and the illegal pet trade.
Sweet and snuggled.
Gemma Copeland urges people to donate to the Borneo Orangutan Rescue as they are dedicated to saving these endangered animals.
“For all our modern advances, this moment proved to me that although species apart, we’re just the same,” the mother said. “We are all equal. The nurturing care of our children is paramount, regardless of race, gender, and even species. At that moment, we were one.” Copeland admitted.
As you could guess, the public weighed in with their comments and personal experiences.
Can you see my eyes rolling? Because they're definitely rolling.
👏👏
They truly are.
As much as I agree, preserving their species is the reason why they exist in zoos.
I'd have to agree with you.
Their eyes make me so sad.
I do too.
Wow.
I have "met" this gorilla as well, and I can definitely vouch for this commenter's statement.
Round of applause for this commenter, please!
So friends, donate if you're able to, and if you're not, give breastfeeding mamas a break next time you come across one.
We're all just trying to live our best lives and give our children the very best start possible. I promise we aren't looking for your attention, nor do we want it.
We're simply feeding a hungry baby. <3
That zoo moment clearly struck a nerve.
Wait until you see the baby baboon tumble into a lioness’ lap, and her tears-inducing response. Read what happened next.
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