Gibbons are Awesome!

By Joanne Husby, Monkey Pavilion Keeper

This summer, I was fortunate to attend and present at the very first International Gibbon Husbandry Conference in Greensboro, North Carolina with Primate World keeper Mandy Hester.  Gibbons are small apes native to Southeast Asia and all species are endangered due in part to habitat destruction. Seven countries were represented during the conference, and presentation topics varied from health and nutrition, to conservation and research.  It was uplifting to meet fellow gibbon enthusiasts and learn what people are doing all across the globe to help preserve these amazing animals. 

One very interesting presentation was from keynote speaker Dr. Brockelman, who has been studying gibbons since the Vietnam War!  He touched on the fact some species of gibbon may not be as monogamous as once thought.  Gibbons had been known as the only monogamous ape, but recent research indicates this may not be true for white-cheeked gibbons. Talks were also led by biologists from India and Indonesia, working to release gibbons back into the wild.  A zoo keeper from Lincoln Park Zoo shared the struggles and triumphs a one-handed gibbon faces.  Since Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is home to two gibbon amputees, we know how amazing and adaptable gibbons can be. There was also a presentation about a male siamang from Disney’s Animal Kingdom who raised twins by himself. 

The conference was a great opportunity for us to learn new things, but also an opportunity to share some of our own gibbon knowledge and experiences.  Mandy Hester talked about the palm oil crisis and its effect on wild gibbon populations .  Thanks to Mandy’s presentation, attendees returned to their institutions with tools to raise awareness about this international crisis.  I was able to share my experiences: I was especially excited to talk about a fun-filled event called Groovin’ for Gibbons.  The event allowed zoo guests of all ages to learn numerous fun facts about gibbons.  For instance, what does it feel like to have arms as long as a gibbon?  Kids could slip into a gibbon suit with arms so long they were able to hug somebody from four feet away!  The gibbon suit was a huge hit and conference attendees couldn’t wait to try it on, too.   

New at the Natural Science Center, where the conference was held, was a breeding pair of silvery Javan gibbons.  This was the first time we had seen the species in person.  It was special since Javan gibbons are rare not only in North American zoos, but in the wild as well.  We also visited North Carolina Zoo and the Duke Lemur Center.

Our trip to North Carolina was a fruitful one.  There was a constant stream of new information for us to bring home. We are continuously improving the care we can give to these amazing animals.