PHILADELPHIA, PA — Joy and excitement abound at the Philadelphia Zoo as it announced the birth of a white-handed gibbon, a precious addition to this endangered species native to Southeast Asia. The healthy baby boy, named Eros after the asteroid that orbits Mars, was born in the early hours of Thursday, March 14, marking a significant success for conservation efforts.
Eros is the newest member of a loving gibbon family at the zoo, joining his 35-year-old mother Phoenice, 34-year-old father Mercury, and two siblings, Polaris and Ophelia. The zoo’s dedicated animal care team reports that Phoenice is showing exemplary maternal instincts, ensuring Eros receives all the nurturing he needs during these critical early days.
The birth of Eros is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding program, aimed at securing the future of white-handed gibbons through genetic diversity and population management. This initiative is crucial as the species faces significant threats in the wild, including hunting, the illegal pet trade, and habitat destruction.
Michael Stern, the Andrew J. Baker Curator of Primates and Small Mammals at the zoo, expressed his pride in the zoo’s ongoing commitment to the preservation of this enchanting species. “We are thrilled to see our gibbon family grow and look forward to introducing Eros to our visitors. Watching him play with his siblings will surely be a delight for everyone.”
White-handed gibbons are celebrated for their remarkable agility and are considered the most acrobatic among primates. They navigate the forest canopy with ease, using their long arms to swing from branch to branch in a movement known as brachiation. On the ground, they maintain an upright posture, walking on their hind legs with arms aloft for balance.
Gibbons share strong family bonds, typically forming monogamous pairs that remain together for life. Their offspring cling to their mothers for the first few months, relying on her for nourishment and protection until they reach independence around two years of age.
Visitors to the Philadelphia Zoo can catch a glimpse of this fascinating family at the PECO Primate Reserve, where Eros, alongside his parents and siblings, will continue to enchant and educate guests about the importance of conservation and the beauty of nature’s diversity.
A Philadelphia Zoo spokesperson stated they remain committed to its mission of wildlife preservation and education, inviting the public to join in celebrating the arrival of Eros and learn more about the efforts to safeguard the future of white-handed gibbons and other endangered species.
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