Tucked among the treetops near the gibbon island, two very vocal residents are stealing the show. Meet Niran and Jars, Adelaide Zoo’s Siamang duo.
Niran, the 36-year-old father, and his energetic 24-year-old son Jars are known for their close bond and unmistakable duet calls. Native to the rainforests of Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, Siamangs are the largest and loudest of the gibbon species.
What makes them stand out are their large throat sacs, also known as gular sacs. These act like built-in amplifiers, allowing their calls to carry more than three kilometres through dense forest. In the open spaces of Adelaide Zoo, that sound travels even further.
Their calling sessions often start around lunchtime, especially when food is placed out on the habitat. Each Siamang pair has its own unique call, and Niran and Jars are no exception. Visitors often hear them long before they spot them.
While Niran prefers relaxing in his favourite spots, Jars is usually on the move, swinging through the trees or fishing for yabbies in the surrounding moat. They also forage through algae, sometimes showing each other their finds. These behaviours are not only entertaining but also important enrichment, encouraging problem-solving and natural instincts.
Keepers provide creative enrichment like pinecones filled with pumpkin purée and rolled in seeds. These items promote climbing, foraging and exploration. Fruit is used during training sessions, which include injection and target training to support stress-free veterinary care.
Although they share the area with White-cheeked Gibbons on a neighbouring island, the surrounding moat keeps them apart. Siamangs are not fans of water, so they stay on their own island while still able to see and hear their primate neighbours. This setup provides valuable stimulation and adds variety to their environment.
Sadly, Siamangs are listed as endangered. Their population has declined by nearly 50 percent in the last 40 years due to habitat loss and the illegal pet trade. Much of their forest habitat is being cleared to mine precious metals used in mobile phones.
Adelaide Zoo supports mobile phone recycling as a way to help. Visitors can drop off old phones, which are stripped of metals and reused, helping to reduce the demand for mining in critical habitats.
So next time you visit, listen carefully. That jungle chorus ringing through the air is likely Niran and Jars reminding everyone just how special they are.
You will probably hear them before you see them.
