Some time ago we told you to watch this space on our blog, as we were in the process of building a new enclosure for a surprise animal.
Well here they are! Our White handed Lar gibbons! We are so excited and grateful to be able to welcome these beautiful creatures to our family.
White handed or Lar Gibbons – Hylobates lar originate from Southeast Asia and in small parts of South Asia. Lar Gibbons are probably extinct in China,
but if they still exist , they would only be found in Southwest Yunnan. They can still be found in the forests of Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand.
They are however considered endangered and are classified as CITES 1.
Their natural predators are Clouded Leopard, Tigers, eagles and snakes and the of coarse their most feared predator is man due to poaching and deforestation.
Lar Gibbons may live up to 50 years in captivity.
Their gestation period is six months.
Lar Gibbons eat a variety of foods including fruit like figs, liana fruit and berries as well as leaves, buds, flowers and shoots. Insects including mantids, wasps and even birds eggs.
The gibbons drink water from tree holes by cupping their hands.
Please come and meet Sasa and Julinka, they are sure to keep you entertained with their amazing agile acrobatics!!
