WHITE-CHEEKED GIBBON
Nomascus leucogenys
WHAT'S A WHITE-CHEEKED GIBBON?
White-Cheeked Gibbons are active, agile lesser apes that spend most of their life swinging through evergreen forests. They are constantly on the move looking for food and watching their territory.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MALE AND FEMALE GIBBONS
Both male and female White-Cheeked Gibbons are born blonde. However, six months after their birth they will turn jet black with white cheeks. Males will stay jet black for life but females fur will become blonde again. This happens when they're around six years old.
HABITAT
The White-Cheeked Gibbon lives in small family groups in the evergreen forests of China, Laos and Vietnam. Their habitat is critically endangered due to forest logging.
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TARONGA ZOOS ENCLOSURE
MOVING AROUND
White-Cheeked Gibbons use their arms to move through thick forest canopies. They swing from tree to tree by using their long fingers to hook onto branches while the thumb is out of the way.
A CRITICALLY ENDANGERED SPECIES
As mentioned before, the White-Cheeked Gibbon is a critically endangered species. This is caused by forest logging and illegal pet trade. Taronga Zoo takes part in the International Breeding Program to help secure the future of White-Cheeked Gibbons.
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For more information on Taronga Zoos International Breeding Program click here.
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