Primate beaus are an instant attraction
Love is in the air at Melbourne Zoo with the exciting arrival of new male partners for the resident Black-and-white colobus and White-cheeked gibbon.
The affectionate couples have quickly bonded, demonstrated by their grooming of each other and through sharing meals.
Gibbon Cahn, 7, travelled from Perth Zoo to partner with Li-Lian, 15, while colobus Kyoda, 13, arrived from Adelaide’s Monarto Zoo as a mate for Kipenzi, 10.
Li-Lian and Cahn’s blossoming romance is a major welfare win as gibbons are a monogamous species that mate for life. Once fully bonded, visitors can look forward to regularly hearing the lovers sing a unique duet that will carry across the Zoo.
It has also been instant attraction for new couple Kipenzi and Kyoda, who have quickly forged a close-knit family unit that colobus monkeys are known for.
Melbourne Zoo Primates Life Sciences Manager Gillian Maxwell said visitors will be able to see some fascinating behaviours as the couples grow even closer.
“The introductions went exceptionally well,” Ms Maxwell said. “Both pairs have been very receptive to their new mates and we’re excited to see them grow more comfortable in the coming weeks.
“Respectful and shy Cahn is the perfect match for boisterous Li-Lian, while confident Kyoda is providing Kipenzi with the comfort and assurance she needs.
“Gibbons and colobuses are both species that pair for life so it’s important for their welfare that they have a mate to keep them company.”
White-cheeked gibbons live in the evergreen tropical forests of South Asia, but population numbers are dropping due to habitat destruction. They are now considered to be critically endangered.
Populations of the African native colobus – known for their shiny black coats and long flowing white hair that drapes over their back and tail – are also decreasing.
Ms Maxwell said zoo visitors can hopefully look forward to gorgeous, furry babies as both species are part of regional breeding programs.
“It’s crucial that we maintain future generations, so we’re definitely hoping to see little primates emerge in the coming months,” Ms Maxwell said.