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Press Releases
Minnesota Zoo Announces Birth of a White-Cheeked Gibbon Apple Valley, MINN – December 29, 2009 – The Minnesota Zoo is excited to announce the birth of a white-cheeked gibbon, born in the early morning on December 27. This is the second offspring for mom, “Tia.” Zookeepers are bottle-feeding the infant and they hope to reunite her with either mom or dad “Bailey” in the future. She appears healthy and seems to have a good appetite. Since her birth, the animal care staff has been providing 24-hour care to ensure her health. Gibbon babies, like human babies, are completely dependent on mom in the early months of life. For that reason, the new baby gibbon will not be on exhibit for several months to ensure proper feeding, rest, and care. The Minnesota Zoo is a participating member of the white-cheeked gibbon Species Survival Plan (SSP). This is our 10th Gibbon born here. She is the first female white-cheeked gibbon born in North America since 2006 and the fourth since 2002. White-cheeked gibbons are one of eleven species of gibbon and critically endangered. These long-armed apes are made for life in the trees, suspending their bodies and swinging easily from one hold to another. Instead of grasping, their hands form a loose hook around branches, allowing them to move swiftly through the canopy. The Minnesota Zoo is located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America. For more information, call 952.431.9500 or visit mnzoo.org. The Minnesota Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
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