A visit to SCV’s Gibbon Conservation Center shows why these singing, swinging acrobats are some of the most extraordinary primates on Earth. Sophia Paden, Animal Care Specialist, says the center cares for five of the world’s twenty gibbon species — some on the brink of extinction.
“The Gibbon Conservation Center is home to forty Gibbons,” said Paden.
“Gibbons are small apes from Southeast Asia.”
“We participate in conservation efforts, from breeding programs to educational efforts.”
Their songs echo through the trees, but their family life feels surprisingly familiar.
“Gibbons are a lot like us humans; they actually live in family groups,” said Paden. “A mated pair will come together, and they’ll have offspring together, and we have family groups.”
In the rainforest, there are many species.
“There are twenty total, and we have five here. They live up in the treetops in the rainforests of Southeast Asia,” said Paden.
“These guys do incredible songs in the rainforest to mark their territory and to bond with their families, and you can hear them sing here,” said Paden.
The center’s message is simple — respect and protect these wild animals.
“No primate should ever be a pet. Their needs are too complicated, and they pose a danger to people,” said Paden.
Some Gibbons are as strong as three people.
Visitors of all ages can meet the gibbons and learn about conservation on public tours every weekend.
