Maya and Samson are the parents to the newest baby gibbon at Assiniboine Park Zoo. (APC / HANDOUT)
A white-handed gibbon was born at Assiniboine Park Zoo on February 4. (APC / HANDOUT)
WINNIPEG — The Assiniboine Park Zoo is home to a baby white-handed gibbon after a recent birth on February 4.
The gibbon is the first offspring for Maya (female) and Samson (male). Its sex is unknown as zoo staff have taken a “hands-off” approach by letting the parents get acquainted first.
“Maya and Samson appeared to be a really good match right from the start and we have been looking forward to this possibility for some time, so this is very exciting news for our staff, volunteers and visitors,” said Grant Furniss, senior director, zoological operations.
White-handed gibbons are small tailless apes with soft, thick fur that can vary from black to a pale fawn colour. They live in trees and are among the fastest of all primates, using their very long arms to swing effortlessly among the branches.
The first opportunity for visitors to see the zoo’s newest addition will be on Valentine’s Day, February 14.
