A rare white-handed gibbon has been born at the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas. Born to parents Spike and Gracie on June 13th 2015 keepers are now seeking the public’s help to name the little girl.
This week the new family made their first outing onto their island home to enjoy some time in the sun after spending their time inside since the birth so they could bond.
The new baby is the second female born at the zoo. Her sister, Mel was born during September 2000. She has since moved on to the Gladys Porter Zoo.
While keepers at the zoo are united in their excitement about the new arrival they are divided down the middle on a name. Half of the keepers think she looks like a Lucy while the others believe that she is an Emma.
To help break the tie they have enlisted the help of the public. Visitors can vote by making a donation at the zoo’s gift shop or here – Gibbon naming | Cameron Park Zoo. The donations are being collected to allow the zoo to purchase an ultrasound machine which will be used to monitor the condition of the animal’s hearts.
White handed gibbons form pairs for life. They have a baby every 3.5 years on average. In captivity a gibbon may live for up to 44 years in captivity.
This year the year of the gibbon is be celebrated the world over. It aims to bring awareness to the plight of small apes who are often overshadowed by the great apes. The gibbons are the most threatened group of primates. To learn more go here – Year of the gibbon
Photo Credit: Cameron Park Zoo
