The small black ape, a member of the gibbon family, was born on December 2nd. Yesterday, the (proud) parents showed off their baby outside for the first time. Excited Zoo employees watched as Mama Siamang was cradling the baby in her soft fur and the baby started nursing. Siamangs are very family-oriented and many mate for life. It was obvious that the Papa was protective and attentive toward his mate and their new baby. In showing his concern for both Mama and the baby, the Papa stayed very close to them the entire time and was seen taking the hand of Mama Siamang and leading her along as she carried the baby. When Siamangs walk - they walk upright like people, but have to hold their arms in the air to help balance themselves.

Weather permitting; our female Siamang will be with her new baby for the public to see on a limited basis – depending on when Mama Siamang wants to venture out into the open. For the next few months, the baby will typically only be on exhibit when the weather is nice and warm. So, if you don’t see them the first time – be sure to come back!

SIAMANG DETAILS:

Endangered: Siamangs are declining in numbers as people enter their forested territory, often killing the mothers in order to capture the young for the lucrative pet market. Almost a third of all apes, monkeys and other primates are in danger of extinction because of rampant habitat destruction, the commercial sale of their meat and the trade in illegal wildlife. Of the world's 394 primate species, 114 are classified as threatened with extinction by the World Conservation Union. According to a report in October by the Associated Press on the status of the top 25 most endangered primates:

“You could fit all the surviving members of the 25 species in a single football stadium; that's how few of them remain on Earth today," said Russell A. Mittermeier, president of Conservation International. “"The situation is worst in Asia, where tropical forest destruction and the hunting and trading of monkeys puts many species at terrible risk," said Mittermeier, who is also chairman of the World Conservation Union's Primate Specialist Group, which prepared the report with the International Primatological Society.

Where do Siamangs live? Siamangs are found throughout southeastern Asia, including Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula.

What do they eat? Siamangs eat fruit, leaves, insects, nuts, small animals, birds and bird's eggs. In the zoo they are fed fruit, vegetables and monkey chow.

What do they look like? Scientific Name: Pongidae Hylobates syndactylus. The Siamang is the largest of the gibbon family and an ape, not a monkey. (The characteristics distinguishing apes from monkeys are the absence of a tail, their primarily upright posture, and a highly developed brain. Gorillas, chimpanzees and orangutans are also apes.)

How do they Walk? The Siamang is best at walking on two legs and has webbing between the second and third toe. When walking, Siamangs will hold their arms above their heads for balance. The Siamang is always black, with reddish-brown eyebrows. Siamangs and Gibbons have padding to help them spend a comfortable night seated on tree branches, safe from predators and huddling together in groups of two or three when they sleep. They live in family groups led by a dominant male. They are protective of one another and sociable among themselves. Along with other gibbons, the Siamangs are the top trapeze artists of the animal world and can launch themselves 30-50 feet, using their hands as hooks. While their arms are used for travel, their feet are used to carry objects.

Babies: Siamangs have one offspring after a seven-month gestation period. At birth, the young are naked, and for the first few months, the baby clings to the mother's abdomen. She keeps her legs partially raised to provide warmth and support. By the age of two, the baby is independent but still very much a part of the family. Sexual maturity is reached at about seven years of age. In the wild they live from 25 to 30 years.

Best time to visit? Your best chances to see the baby is in the warmest part of the day when the mother may come out for a hour. Try to visit mid afternoon.