In July this year visitors to the zoo, south of Batemans Bay, were privy to the rare sight of a siamang being born while on exhibit to the general public. The baby is the third offspring born at Mogo Zoo as part of an international breeding program to conserve the species.

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Siblings Jambi, Kera and Tunku, have adapted well to the new arrival and have expressed considerable interest in the newborn. However protective mother Fern only allows the inquisitive siblings limited contact before she shields her baby from prying fingers.

The recent birth will play an integral role in the life of the zoo’s four-year-old female siamang, Kera, as it will provide her with valuable child-rearing experience in preparation for her impending transfer to Auckland Zoo, where she will be paired with a male for future breeding.

The siamang is native to the forests of Thailand, Malaysia and Sumatra. Reaching one metre in height, it is the largest of all gibbon species. Siamangs are the “songbirds” of the primate family and can project their voices through the dense forest canopy.

In the wild, the siamang is endangered mainly due to habitat loss in Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. The siamang is also threatened by poaching as part of the illegal wildlife trade.