DUBLIN ZOO is celebrating a much-welcome new arrival after an endangered species of ape gave birth to a healthy baby.
The siamang gibbon was born in the early hours of bank holiday Sunday.
The baby is said to be doing well under the care of parents Cahaya, 10, and Luca, 19 and has already been observed suckling.
Reacting to the new arrival, Dublin Zoo team leader Ciaran McMahon said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome this siamang gibbon baby to Dublin Zoo.
"The species is listed as Endangered so every birth is extremely important.
"Cahaya and Luca are the most loving couple, very attentive to each other’s needs, and we have no doubt that they will make excellent parents.
"The baby is doing well and visitors to the zoo passing the Orangutan Rainforest may get a glimpse of the new arrival in the coming days."
The only siamang gibbons at Dublin Zoo, Cahaya and Luca arrived in 2014 and 2018 respectively.
Siamang gibbon are native to the forests of Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
⭐Baby Gibbon Alert⭐
Dublin Zoo is pleased to announce the birth of a baby siamang gibbon, born Sunday the 2nd August to parents Cahaya and Luca.
Click here for more information on the birth of this endangered species - https://t.co/hZYCaAzTaM pic.twitter.com/NhxP26pvGZ— Dublin Zoo (@DublinZoo) August 8, 2020
The largest and most distinctive species of gibbon, siamang are capable of reaching anywhere up to one metre in height and can weigh up to 14kg.
Habitat loss through deforestation has led to a significant decrease in the siamang gibbon population.
The gibbons were also previously targeted by poachers and hunters.
A spokesperson for the zoo said: "The siamang gibbon is a primate and the largest of the gibbon species. They are black-furred apes with very long arms, much longer than their legs.
"They are also the only gibbons with both opposable thumbs and toes. They can weigh between 10–12 kg and have large throat pouches which allow them to vocalise and sing.
"They can often be heard singing in Dublin Zoo from 10-11am each day."
