Birth of baby Gibbon represents landmark conservation victory

Pic credit: Wildlife Alliance

Pic credit: Wildlife Alliance

DOES THIS NEWBORN GIBBON REPRESENT THE FUTURE FOR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION?

Rebecca Tilbrook … and friend …

AUGUST 2016, AUSTRALIA: In a landmark conservation victory, the second pair of endangered pileated gibbon ever to be reintroduced into the wild have just welcomed a baby into their midst in Angkor, Cambodia.

In July 2015, 2 mated gibbons, Bayon and Tevy, were successfully released into the protected forests of Angkor after a six month adjustment period in a very large forested enclosure. Their baby was born in June of this year and named Ping-peeung.

The arrival of the endangered pileated baby gibbon is part of a unique rescue, rehabilitation and release program by Wildlife Alliance, the Forestry Department and the Apsara Authority of Cambodia. The project provides hope that animals hunted to the brink of extinction can be reintroduced to appropriate habitat.

Rebecca Tilbrook, Founder of Perth-based charity, For the Animals, has been involved with the rescue projects of Wildlife Alliance since 2002 when she served as the chief fundraiser and spokesperson for the organisation in Washington DC.

“Thousands of animals are rescued and given a second chance each year; we’re happy to play a role in that work,” says Tilbrook.

Tilbrook’s organisation has been providing food, medicine, enrichment and shelter for many animals that are rescued from trafficking, habitat loss and the illegal pet trade at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre in Cambodia, which is run by Wildlife Alliance.

“The successful reintroduction of two pairs of gibbons, which mate for life, into the wild in Cambodia is a great outcome. The birth of babies to both sets indicates that they are adjusting beautifully to their new environment,” says Tilbrook.

“This project represents efforts over several generations of gibbons whose parents or grandparents were victims of the illegal wildlife trade. The team at Wildlife Alliance have been very committed to seeing the tragic backgrounds of these animals come full circle to the successful re-wildling of their offspring”

Most of the pileated gibbons at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre were confiscated from the illegal meat trade or pet trade, rendering them too humanized to be released. The selection process and preparation for reintroduction is time consuming. Gibbons are put into large natural enclosures with minimal contact with humans and must be bonded to be successful. Bayon and Tevy have been provided with the best chance possible to thrive in the wild once again.

For the Animals is an Australian conservation charity dedicated to protecting endangered wildlife in Southeast Asia. You can donate here: https://www.givematcher.com.au/for-the-animals
Natalie Kyriacou: Public Relations Manager, For the Animals, Rebecca Tilbrook: Founder, For the Animals