Zoo keepers in Kent have welcomed the arrival of an endangered primate.
The baby Moloch Gibbon is the first to be born at Port Lympne wild animal park near Hythe.
In the wild the molochs live in mature tropical rainforest in the western half of the south east Asian island of Java.
Known as the silver of Javan gibbons they are one of the most endangered of all gibbons with estimates that there may be less than 2,000 left in the wild.
At the other zoo run by the Aspinall Foundation, Howletts near Canterbury, a baby Brazilian Tapir has been born.
The baby’s spotty, stripey coat will turn pinking brown after around six to eight months.
Adrian Harland, animal director at the wild animal parks, said: "We’re extremely proud to welcome the new arrivals.
"Breeding programmes like the ones we have in place at our wild animal parks are important for the continued survival of vulnerable species like the Brazilian Tapir and absolutely essential for the endangered Moloch Gibbon; ensuring they do not disappear from the planet forever."
Like its Malayan cousin, the Brazilian Tapir can reach six and one half feet long and over 500 pounds in adulthood.
The total number of tapirs of all species is declining due, in part, to the continued destruction of their forest habitat.
POSTED: 30/07/2009 10:45:00
Bookmark with:
Email to a friend: