Willowbank’s “Earthquake” Baby

PRESS RELEASE: Willowbank’s “Earthquake” Baby

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch proudly announces the safe arrival of their baby Siamang to mother, Sue, and father, Bujang, on Sunday.

With only around 30 Siamang gibbons in captivity in Australasia, the news of this arrival will be appreciated by all zoos in the region as success for an organised conservation breeding programme administered by ZAA (Zoo Aquarium Association).

Willowbank has one of only two breeding recommendations from this programme in NZ, because Bujang is a great genetic male and his offspring are important to the continuation of Siamang in the region. The only other NZ breeding pair is at Auckland Zoo, with Sue and Bujang’s son Intan, now aged 7, and his new mate Kira.

Bujang is also an old man in human terms, and at over 42 years old, Willowbank was unsure if he would have the ability to breed!

With a seven month gestation, Willowbank staff had a good idea Sue was pregnant, from previous experience, but it was stiil hard to confirm when she would be due. Early pregnancy tests had come back negative but these were human tests and it isn’t easy to take a urine sample from a Siamang!

As a precaution with the earth rumblings of late, special soft mats were placed on the floor within the Siamang’s den, in anticipation for the birth – and as protection for the baby from a fall. Thankfully, the birth went well, and mother and baby are happy and healthy.

Once the baby has been identified as male or female, its future life ahead will be planned. But for now and for many years to come, this beautiful baby will be kept with its mother and father and will be a much loved addition to Willowbank.

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