A Wildlife Article from All-Creatures.org

Exciting update on the gibbon release in Sumatra where eight couples have been successfully reintroduced into the wild

From Chanee, IPPL International Primate Protection League
September 2024

Within just a week of their release, some of these primates were already visiting the feeding platforms less regularly.

Some of the Gibbons now living happily at IPPL's sanctuary.

It’s a victory for the preservation of these iconic species. But as always, the path to freedom has not been without challenges.

While we anticipated the usual difficulties associated with rehabilitating animals – such as adapting to their natural environment, the risks of descending to the ground, or the lack of forest exploration – we were met with an unexpected surprise. The fruiting season worked in favor of the gibbons, rendering them incredibly independent in record time. Within just a week of their release, some of these primates were already visiting the feeding platforms less regularly.

However, our most unexpected challenge came in the form of a volcanic eruption. Located on the slopes of an active volcano, our release site was affected by an eruption, plunging us into a state of permanent stress. Fortunately, we were sufficiently distant from the crater (over 5 kilometers or 3 miles) to avoid evacuation, but we had to contend with ash showers that disrupted our operations. Despite this, the gibbons appeared largely unaffected, bravely continuing their exploration of their new environment.

After two months, the gibbons ceased returning to the acclimation aviaries altogether, opting instead to explore the heights of the reserve, albeit closer to the crater. Our teams now find themselves at an impasse, unable to follow these primates into this part of the Funung Merapi reserve. Nevertheless, this challenge is a testament to the success of our endeavor, as these gibbons have swiftly established their own territory, free from the pressures of other individuals of their species already present in the forest.

The success of our release method, which involves waiting for all couples to vocalize – a crucial means of communication among them – before simultaneously opening all aviaries, cannot be denied This approach has prevented any conflicts between couples, greatly facilitating their integration into their new habitat. We will continue to monitor them for the next six months.However, our joy is tempered by the realization that such ideal release sites are rare to find, especially in Borneo, where many animals await their return to freedom. We struggle to find forest areas devoid of wild gibbon populations, which is essential for ensuring the success of our reintroduction program.

Despite these challenges, nothing compares to the happiness we feel in restoring the freedom of these magnificent creatures, especially when everything unfolds so harmoniously. I want to express my gratitude to IPPL for its unwavering support over the years. I know Shirley would have been particularly delighted to hear such news.

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Posted on All-Creatures.org: September 13, 2024
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