The Houston Zoo recently welcomed a new addition to its primate family – a male northern white-cheeked gibbon born on May 30 to first-time parents Ting and Max. This is the first time this species has been born at the Houston Zoo, and visitors can now see the new family in the Wortham World of Primates exhibit, right next to the De Brazza’s monkeys.
The Newborn Northern White-Cheeked Gibbon
The Houston Zoo’s newest primate resident is a northern white-cheeked gibbon, a species that is critically endangered in the wild due to habitat loss and poaching. These small, agile primates are known for their distinctive fur coloration, which changes dramatically as they mature.
Key Details:
- Species: Northern white-cheeked gibbon
- Birth Date: May 30
- Parents: Ting and Max
- Location: Wortham World of Primates, next to the De Brazza’s monkeys
- Conservation Status: Critically endangered in the wild
Unique Features
One of the most striking features of the northern white-cheeked gibbon is its dimorphic fur coloration. When the baby was born, it had a cream-colored coat, but as it grows, its fur will gradually change to a distinctive black color. This color change is a natural part of the species’ development, with males remaining black and females reverting to the cream color as they mature.
Another unique characteristic of these primates is their exceptionally long arms, which are the longest relative to body size of any primate. This adaptation helps them effortlessly swing from tree to tree, a crucial skill for navigating their forest habitats.
Supporting Conservation Efforts
The arrival of the Houston Zoo’s new baby gibbon is not just an exciting event for visitors, but also an important contribution to the conservation of this critically endangered species. By visiting the zoo and purchasing memberships or admission tickets, guests can directly support the zoo’s wildlife conservation work in Asia, Africa, and South America.
Wortham World of Primates
The Wortham World of Primates exhibit at the Houston Zoo is home to a diverse array of rare and endangered primate species, including lemurs, siamangs, howler monkeys, and tamarins. Visitors can observe these fascinating creatures up close and learn about the challenges they face in the wild.
Goeldi’s Monkey
Another primate species found at the Houston Zoo is the Goeldi’s monkey, which can be seen in both the Wortham World of Primates and the Natural Encounters building. The zoo’s animal care team has extensive experience in hand-raising primates, including a Goeldi’s monkey named Betty, who weighed only 34 grams at birth.
Conclusion
The arrival of the Houston Zoo’s new baby northern white-cheeked gibbon is an exciting event that not only delights visitors but also contributes to the conservation of this critically endangered species. By visiting the zoo and supporting its conservation efforts, guests can play a vital role in protecting these remarkable primates and their habitats.