Aspinall Foundation Announces The Birth Of First Javan Gibbon

Conservationist Damian Aspinall who heads up the Aspinall Foundation has announced the birth of their first Javan Gibbon at the Foundation’s conservation project in Indonesia.

The new born baby is special because both of its parents are rescued animals and escaped the worst of the illegal trade in pets which saw both mummy and daddy locked up and squeezed into tiny cages.

“We are delighted that Cheri and Ukong have had a healthy baby. The pair are incredibly good parents and we see this as real hope for the species and the future.” said Overseas Project Director Amos Courage.

The new born was constantly monitored by centre staff over the course of the following day ensuring the new arrival got a full medical check and Hepatitis B vaccination which commonly affects gibbons. The baby is in fact a female and is very tiny, weighing in at less than 400 grams.

The Aspinall Foundation’s Java Primate Project has been in the works for close to eight years and has the goal of rescuing and rehabilitating monkey’s that suffer from the worst of the illegal trade in pets. The foundation works very closely with local officials, people and forestry commissions. The project monitors and protects areas where rescued and rehabilitated primates have been released.

“These primates have been held in captivity in cramped and unsuitable conditions for up to nine years each, after they were taken from the forest to supply the demand for primates as pets. Thanks to the work of our team in Indonesia in collaboration with local communities, forestry commissions and the Indonesian Government, these primates will have a second chance of life in the wild.” Mr. Amos added

The illegal pet trade, hunting and deforestation have made the Javan Gibbon critically endangered in the wild.