Mother and son gibbons reunite at Rockhampton Zoo
Published on 20 July 2023
The gibbon enclosure at Rockhampton Zoo has gotten a whole lot cuter with the arrival of 30-year-old Viann from Perth Zoo, the mother of our existing gibbon, Nakai.
Parks, Sport and Public Spaces Councillor Cherie Rutherford said the reunion between mother and son has been very positive with the return of lots of grooming, bonding and even the singing of their beautiful ‘morning call’ duet.
“Viann was previously living alone following the recent passing of her mate and was transferred to Rockhampton Zoo so both her and Nakai, who was also alone could reunite and enjoy company and social interaction again,” Cr Rutherford said.
“She travelled with her original keeper from Perth Zoo last week and has settled into her new home really well.
“The story of the mother and son pair is truly unique as 12-year-old Nakai was hand-raised from birth by keepers at Perth Zoo for 4 months following difficulties Viann was facing as a mother.
“When they then reunited and commenced living together permanently for the first time in September 2011, their keepers mentioned it was as though they had never been apart. Viann was a great mother.
“Once Nakai was mature enough to move on from his family group almost 10 years later, as he would do in the wild, he was moved to another exhibit within Perth Zoo, and more recently transferred to Rockhampton Zoo.
“The history between the two gibbons is heart warming and it’s such a privilege for Rockhampton Zoo to play a significant piece in bringing them together again after 2.5 years apart, in the interest of their welfare.
“Rockhampton Zoo is proud to be part of the Species Management Program to ultimately help give the critically endangered gibbons species a greater chance of survival, and we are also proud of our collaboration with Perth Zoo.
“The zoo is open every day between 9am-4.15pm and entry is free, so be sure to make a visit and witness the cute reunion between mother and son gibbons.”
Rockhampton Zoo is owned and operated by Rockhampton Regional Council.