Whoop whoop! Adelaide Zoo is singing from the treetops with excitement after the birth of a tiny, critically endangered White-cheeked Gibbon on Tuesday afternoon.
Born to experienced mum 27-year-old, Viet, and doting dad 30-year-old, Remus, the little one is the first of its species born at the zoo in a decade.
Team Supervisor of Primates, James Bibby, said both mum and infant appear to be going well, with the gibbon family making their debut back on habitat yesterday afternoon.
“This is the fifth baby that Viet has had here at Adelaide Zoo, so she’s a very experienced and attentive mother,” he said.
“Viet has been doing an amazing job and has been looking after her new baby expertly, we don’t know the gender just yet but in time we’ll be able to tell and let everyone know.
“Gibbons live their life in the tree canopy, so whilst we had the pair in their warm house in the very early stages, they were keen to get back out to their island habitat!”
“This morning they ventured out on habitat for the first time as a family, so visitors will now be able spot the newborn gripping tightly to Viet on their next trip to the zoo.
“We’re giving the family plenty of time and space to bond and they will have the option to go back into their night quarters if they need. They will also spend overnight inside while the baby is still so young.”
White-cheeked Gibbons are born golden in colour before gradually turning black.
A female will turn gold again once she reaches maturity around five years of age, while a male will remain black, with white cheeks and a black crest on his head.
Viet and Remus are a bonded pair and can often be seen affectionately grooming one another among the treetops or heard singing their synchronised morning duet of whoops and hoots.
James said while Viet knows exactly what she is doing, Remus is keeping a close eye on his mate and new addition.
“This is the only northern White-cheeked Gibbon born this year in Australasia, this species is critically endangered, and their numbers are carefully managed by the Zoos and Aquarium Association (ZAA) so it’s fantastic that we were recommended to allow our pair to breed once again,” he said.
“Welcoming offspring for a primate that has so few numbers left in the wild, reinforces the critical role conservation organisations like Zoos SA play in contributing to insurance populations to safeguard the long-term survival of these animals in the wild.”
White-cheeked Gibbons are small, tree-dwelling primates that live in the subtropical and tropical rainforests of Laos, Vietnam and Southern China.
The species is a brilliant brachiator (an animals that uses their arms to swing from tree to tree) and can be seen moving through the canopy with ease.
Gibbons can also walk on their hindlegs and hold their arms above their heads for balance.
Visitors will recognise the gibbons at Adelaide Zoo for their loud morning, which they use to defend their territory and strengthen family bonds.
For more information about White-cheeked Gibbons and Adelaide Zoo, please visit adelaidezoo.com.au.
