New Gibbon Swings into ABQ BioPark Zoo

We are excited to welcome Polaris, a new lar gibbon, to the ABQ BioPark Zoo!

“He is an adorable little guy,” said Josephine Frentzel, BioPark assistant curator of primates. “He is active, very friendly, and we are glad he’s here.”

Lar gibbons, otherwise known as white-handed gibbons, are a species of tree-dwelling lesser apes that are recognized by a white ring of fur that surrounds their face, as well as white fur on their hands and feet. 

Polaris, who is six years-old, arrived in Albuquerque in mid-July from another AZA-accredited institution. Under the careful supervision of animal care staff, he was gradually introduced to the BioPark’s only other lar gibbon, named Siena, behind the scenes where they became quick friends.

“He and Siena are attached at the hip,” said Frentzel. “They love grooming each other, and they’re doing really well together.”

Frentzel explained that all primates need social interaction with their own species, and both Polaris and Siena, who is eight years old, were in need of companionship because they both recently reached the age where lar gibbons leave their family group to venture out on their own. 

“Siena has been solo for a few months, and Polaris was on his own as well, so Siena was a good partner for him,” said Frentzel, regarding Polaris’ move to the BioPark. “They love being together. By herself, she wasn't vocalizing but with him, they do a duet and she is getting louder everyday and is gaining a lot of confidence with him.”

Lar gibbons are currently listed as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Wild populations are threatened by poaching, illegal pet trade, and habitat loss. Siena and Polaris can be found at the north end of the Ape Walk, on the way to the Africa habitats. Polaris can be identified as being slightly larger than Siena and darker in color. Be sure to give Polaris a warm welcome during your next visit to the BioPark Zoo!

MEDIA: photos and b-roll.