Gibbon: New Home for Gaby
Posted at 9:13 am April 23, 2009 by Beth McDonald
A red-cheeked gibbon mother with youngster
Gaby was housed with the family of red-cheeked/Gabrielle’s crested gibbons in the San Diego Zoo’s Sun Bear Forest: CJ, the dominant female, Max, and their baby, Bohdi. Since Gaby is Max’s sister, she had “visitor” status in the gibbon family’s home. The older Bodhi got, the more confident her parents became. Over time, Max and CJ no longer allowed Gaby in their home. This may seem cruel to us humans, but it is actually a sign of a very healthy family group.
The gibbon family moved to Illinois, a family of silver-leaf langurs moved in (see Beth’s blog, Silver-leaf Langurs), and Gaby moved to a temporary area off exhibit. We renovated an existing exhibit in Bear Canyon to suit Gaby, removing everything so we could start from scratch. We based our design on information given by keepers who have taken care of Gaby over the years. We used materials she prefers and the size of the furniture that she uses the most, and we attached all the furniture so that Gaby can exercise by brachiating from branch to branch without having to stop.
On April 17, we finished Gaby’s new home. She moved in first thing the next day. As soon as Gaby went outside we knew all of our hard work had paid off: she was swinging around, vocalizing and introducing herself to all the visitors. Gaby likes hanging around people, especially babies and children. She will interact with them all day by looking at them, talking to them, and showing off for them. Gaby appears to be very happy in her new home between the sloth bears and the grizzly bears. We know Gaby would love it if you came by and said hi.
Beth McDonald is a senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo.
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April 23rd, 2009 at 11:46 am
This is a great story. Thank you, Beth. It’s inspiring to see how much care is taken in making an optimal home for the animals so they are able to thrive and enjoy an enriching experience. I regret that I live too far away to come by and wish Gaby a happy housewarming but I know she’ll have lots of admirers stopping by to say hello while she shows off her new “pad.” She sounds delightful.
How old is Gaby, by the way? Will she ever have a mate to share her lovely home?
April 23rd, 2009 at 1:35 pm
hopefully gaby is not too lonesome since mom and dad booted her out into the world on her own. human parents also do this, but are only a phone call away for advice! ha ha! plus mom’s have a tendancy to baby and spoil their boys. it makes them grow up and learn to become responsible and (find mates!) little gaby will learn what it is to be on her own. but, I hope she has a friend or mate to share her enclosure with very soon! in the mean time, she obviously is enjoying al the visitors who stop by to see her. she is really a very cute little girl.
Moderator’s note: Gaby is the sister of the dad, Max, not an older sibling.
April 24th, 2009 at 6:01 am
Hi Melissa, Gaby is 9 years old. A male from the Wild Animal Park is going to move down here to live with Gaby, hopefully next month.
Beth
April 24th, 2009 at 10:08 am
Thanks Beth for a great story. I hope all goes well with Gaby and her mate. We look forward to hearing updates about her. How long do red cheeked Gibbons live, and how long and how often do they breed? If she is not too old, hopefully she and her new mate with have little ones to start their own family and fill Gaby’s new home with her own family group.
April 24th, 2009 at 10:34 am
I was wondering what happened to the family. Now I know! I’m looking forward to seeing Gaby at her new home.
April 24th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Thank you for answering my questions, Beth. It’s good to know that Gaby won’t be alone for too long. Maybe she will have a family someday.
April 25th, 2009 at 6:07 am
I live in Texas.. I wish I lived there
..I would visit every day if I could.
May 2nd, 2009 at 6:08 am
Hi everyone, Gibbons in the wild live about 25-35 years, in a zoo setting they can reach 48 years old. They produce a single offspring every 2-3 years, in addition to the 2-4 immature animals that are still in the group.