Meet Darwin!
STAFF at Twycross Zoo have been introducing their newest arrival to the public for the first time – an endangered Siamang gibbon, born on November 17.
The healthy boy, named Darwin, is thriving in his group, and showing excellent signs that he is progressing well.
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New arrival: Darwin the Siamang gibbon with his mum, Tango.
Tony Dobbs, head of primates, says his mother Tango has been very attentive and protective – and is doing a great job.
Says Tony: "He is now reaching the stage where he is very much aware of his surroundings.
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"Mum will sometimes lie on her back and bounce Darwin on her tummy, allowing him to become more active whilst still keeping him close to her."
Darwin is Tango's third child, with an elder daughter who is now a mum herself and Denzel, his older and mischievous brother.
Darwin has been moved to a new Siamang enclosure with his family. Tony adds: "Our new Siamang house will give the group a larger outdoor living area. Although Darwin won't leave his mum for a few months yet, keepers have built him a miniature jungle gym made up of shorter ropes and raised platforms."
Twycross Zoo is the only venue in the UK to care for every species of Great Ape and is one of the most successful places in Europe at breeding the endangered Siamang gibbon.
It is estimated that there are fewer than 22,000 Siamang gibbons left in the wild, so Darwin will play a very important role in the future breeding programme of this endangered ape.
Don't forget, you can meet Darwin during half-term, with lots of other fascinating creatures also on standby to keep the whole family entertained.
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