Pileated gibbon bred successfully at Paignton Zoo
- Published
The pileated gibbon is classed as an endangered species
A rare type of gibbon has been born at Paignton Zoo - after 15 years of trying.
The pileated gibbon was born several weeks prematurely, and there were fears that it would not survive.
The zoo began the breeding programme in 2001 and staff are "cautiously optimistic" they have achieved their first success with the rare primate.
Pileated gibbons are classed as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
The pileated gibbon was born several weeks premature
The baby gibbon's parents are both nine years old, with its mother Shukdi born at Zoo d'Anson in France.
Curator of Mammals Neil Bemment said: "This is Paignton Zoo's first surviving pileated gibbon baby - I'm really pleased.
"As we have been trying to breed this species for 15 years, but alas our previous female was not a good mother."
- Published10 February 2016
- Published23 August 2012
