Siamang Gibbon Infant Swings in to Dublin Zoo

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: August 9, 2020 12:50 pm

The siamang infant clings to mom at Dublin Zoo

Photo Credit: Dublin Zoo

The Dublin Zoo has welcomed the birth of an endangered siamang gibbon. Mum Cahaya (10) gave birth on Sunday August 2nd. The father is 19 year old Luca.

Cahaya came to Dublin Zoo in 2014 and was joined by Luca in 2018. From day one they had a strong connection and the arrival of this infant is the culmination of their love story.

Ciaran McMahon, team leader at Dublin Zoo said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome this siamang gibbon baby to Dublin Zoo. The species is listed as Endangered so every birth is extremely important. Cahaya and Luca are the most loving couple, very attentive to each other’s needs, and we have no doubt that they will make excellent parents.”

“The baby is doing well and visitors to the zoo passing the Orangutan Rainforest may get a glimpse of the new arrival in the coming days,” he concluded.

The Siamang infant with mom at Dublin Zoo

Photo Credit: Dublin Zoo

The siamang gibbon is the largest of the gibbon species. They are also the only gibbon to have opposable toes and thumbs.

Their most noticeable feature is a throat pouch which helps to amplify their call. Each morning pairs will sing to one another.

Siamang gibbons are listed as endangered on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) red list. Dublin Zoo is contributing to the survival of the siamang through participation in the European breeding season for this species. They also contribute funds to run the Supayang Gibbon Conservation Centre in Sumatra.

In the wild they can be found in Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.

Learn more about Dublin Zoo on their website – Dublin Zoo