The Wildlife Conservation Society is celebrating the birth of the first white-cheeked gibbon at the Bronx Zoo since 2000. Proud parents are Christine (aka Kicks), 35, and mate Milton, 15.*
Native to to parts of Vietnam, Lao PDR, and China. white-cheeked gibbons are now considered to be an endangered species due to deforestation and hunting. However, The Bronx Zoo has a successful history breeding gibbons as part of the Species Survival Plan, a cooperative breeding program designed to enhance the genetic viability of animal populations in zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Wildlife Conservation Society works throughout Asia and in the white-cheeked gibbon’s native range to save wildlife and wild places.
Although keepers have yet to identify the baby’s gender, they noted that adult gibbon females are a buff color with a black crown while males are black white light-colored cheeks. All newborns, however, are born with a buff coat that turns black over their first two years. Once they reach sexual maturity, males remain black and females change back to their lighter color.
In the meantime, the public can come visit the new family in JungleWorld, a spectacular indoor Asian rainforest habitat that features several multi-species exhibits. The naturalistic habitats create a total immersion experience for guests and are home to animals found in the jungles of Asia including the white-cheeked gibbons, ebony and silvery langurs, Malay tapirs, Asian small-clawed otters, as well as many different species of reptiles, birds, and fish.
The Bronx Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays, 5:30 p.m. weekends from April to October; 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m November to March. Adult admission is $16.95, children (3-12 years old) $11.95, kids under 3 are free, seniors (65+) are $14.95. Parking is $14 for cars and $16 for buses. The Bronx Zoo is conveniently located off the Bronx River Parkway at Exit 6; by train via the #2 or #5 or by bus via the #9, #12, #19, #22, MetroNorth, or BxM11 Express Bus service (from Manhattan that stops just outside the gate.) To plan your trip, visit bronxzoo.com or call 718-367-1010.
*The new baby is the 11th for Kicks and first for Milton.