Christmas has come early at Adelaide Zoo with the arrival of a critically endangered White-cheeked Gibbon baby!
Born in the early hours of the morning on Saturday, 10 December, the three-day old infant is the fourth offspring born to parents Viet and Remus.
The birth is a significant achievement for Adelaide Zoo as the youngster is one of only four White-cheeked Gibbon infants to be born at the zoo in its 130 year history.
The yet-to -be -sexed infant is extremely important to the international breeding program working to save this species from extinction, with a declining trend in the wild population of at least 80 per cent over the past 45 years.
The primate species is in serious decline in its native Laos, Vietnam and Southern China due to deforestation and poaching for the wildlife trade.
Adelaide Zoo Senior Primate Keeper Jodie Ellen said Viet and Remus were doting parents, while older sisters Nhu and Tien were fascinated by the new addition.
“The baby is absolutely adorable and is looking strong and healthy, clinging tightly to mum,” Jodie said.
“Viet and Rhemus are incredibly loving and capable parents and it’s heart-warming to the entire family caring for the little one.
“Older sisters Nhu and Tien are excited by the new addition to the family and will play a very hands-on role in the upbringing of the new baby.”
The new family has spent the first few days relaxing between their night quarters and leafy island habitat to ensure minimal disturbance to the growing family.
White-cheeked Gibbons are born a golden colour before gradually turning black. Females turn gold again when they reach maturity at around five years of age while males remain black. The baby’s gender is not yet known and it may be many months before it can be determined.
The birth follows a string of primate excitement at Adelaide Zoo with the recent arrival of a baby Hamadryas Baboon, Golden-lion Tamarin and the announcement that Karta the Sumatran Orangutan is expecting.
