Surprise Siamang Infant Born at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: September 14, 2020 9:59 pm

The siamang gibbon infant clings to mom at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Photo Credit: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo spent Labor Day this year celebrating an actual labor. On the morning of September 7th 2020 the siamang family welcomed their newest member when Eve, a 9 year old female gave birth.

Keepers at the zoo report that mum and baby are doing well. Dad Wyan has been observed being curious and calm when near the infant. Joanna Husby, Primate World animal care manager said, “We’re already seeing great instincts in Wayan. He’s sticking close by without interfering. He’s really curious and is being respectful, showing support without taking over.”

Keepers have not yet been able to determine the gender of the infant. At present they are not planning to name the infant.

The siamang gibbon infant clings to mom at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Photo Credit: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

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“Eve and Wayan are normally spooning together when we come into work for early-morning checks,” said Kelsey Newman, keeper at CMZoo who doesn’t always work in Primate World, but was the first to see the baby Siamang. “This morning, I noticed they were sitting a little differently. Then, Wayan moved away from Eve and I saw the little baby’s arm. It was a surprise, for sure.”

The genetics of Eve and Wayan are well represented in the captive siamang population and as such they were not recommended to breed. To prevent this Eve had been on an oral contraceptive. Due to this not being 100% effective Eve was able to breed. Siamangs do not always show their pregnancy and this led to the birth being a surprise for keepers.

“You can tell just by looking at Eve that she’s head over heels in love with that baby already,” said Husby. “She’s cradling her baby with both arms, licking its head and nuzzling it while it nurses. It’s really sweet.”

The siamang gibbon infant clings to mom at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Photo Credit: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

While the siamang family bond with their new infant they will have access to a range of off-display enclosures and dens. They can also access their outdoor habitat where guests may catch a glimpse of the new family.

Learn more about the siamang here – Siamang | The Animal Facts

Learn more about Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on their website – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo