New Perth Zoo gibbon enclosure opens days after tragic death
Perth Zoo's $11.7 million state-of-the-art gibbon enclosure opened on Tuesday, which takes the space into the air and tripling the space for the critically endangered apes.
It means visitors can observe the acrobatics of the animals as they traverse rope pathways connected to a 14m tower overhead.
Situated near Perth Zoo's entrance, the apes can now travel larger distances as the public watches from the ground below.
Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn said the expanded primate enclosure would be a drawcard for families. The enclosure is situated near Perth Zoo's entrance. Credit: Ross Swanborough / The West Australian
'Record numbers of visitors are already enjoying the new café precinct and family facilities, and now, the primate crossing adds a world-class experience,' he said.
'Watching the gibbons swing through the skies is truly remarkable to see and it's these magic moments that form core memories and help inspire the next generation into conservationists.'
Perth Zoo recorded more than 900,000 visitors in the last financial year, with upgrades, funded by the State Government, also completed to improve seating, barbeque and event facilities at the zoo. Perth Zoo's $11.7 million state-of-the-art gibbon enclosure opened on Tuesday. Credit: Ross Swanborough / The West Australian
The unveiling of the exhibit comes after the zoo's gibbon population was hit by tragedy over the weekend.
Keepers said the Zoo's white-cheeked gibbon Jermei went into labour over the weekend, but that the baby did not survive.
Gynaecological experts who normally help with human pregnancies performed a caesarean to give the baby the very best chance at surviving.
Perth's Gibbon population are part of a global breeding program to help boost numbers, with the apes one of the rarest in the world and native to south east Asia.
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3 days ago
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Perth Zoo's 11.7m new white-cheeked gibbon enclosure open to public days after tragic death of newborn
One foot carefully after another, a cheeky gibbon parades across a tightrope as he checks out his new home below. Perth Zoo's $11.7 million state-of-the-art gibbon enclosure opened on Tuesday, which takes the space into the air and tripling the space for the critically endangered apes. It means visitors can observe the acrobatics of the animals as they traverse rope pathways connected to a 14m tower overhead. Situated near Perth Zoo's entrance, the apes can now travel larger distances as the public watches from the ground below. Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn said the expanded primate enclosure would be a drawcard for families. 'Record numbers of visitors are already enjoying the new café precinct and family facilities, and now, the primate crossing adds a world-class experience,' he said. 'Watching the gibbons swing through the skies is truly remarkable to see and it's these magic moments that form core memories and help inspire the next generation into conservationists.' Perth Zoo recorded more than 900,000 visitors in the last financial year, with upgrades, funded by the State Government, also completed to improve seating, barbeque and event facilities at the zoo. The unveiling of the exhibit comes after the zoo's gibbon population was hit by tragedy over the weekend. Keepers said the Zoo's white-cheeked gibbon Jermei went into labour over the weekend, but that the baby did not survive. Gynaecological experts who normally help with human pregnancies performed a caesarean to give the baby the very best chance at surviving. Perth's Gibbon population are part of a global breeding program to help boost numbers, with the apes one of the rarest in the world and native to south east Asia.
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3 days ago
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New Perth Zoo gibbon enclosure opens days after tragic death
One foot carefully after another, a cheeky gibbon parades across a tightrope as he checks out his new home below. Perth Zoo's $11.7 million state-of-the-art gibbon enclosure opened on Tuesday, which takes the space into the air and tripling the space for the critically endangered apes. It means visitors can observe the acrobatics of the animals as they traverse rope pathways connected to a 14m tower overhead. Situated near Perth Zoo's entrance, the apes can now travel larger distances as the public watches from the ground below. Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn said the expanded primate enclosure would be a drawcard for families. The enclosure is situated near Perth Zoo's entrance. Credit: Ross Swanborough / The West Australian 'Record numbers of visitors are already enjoying the new café precinct and family facilities, and now, the primate crossing adds a world-class experience,' he said. 'Watching the gibbons swing through the skies is truly remarkable to see and it's these magic moments that form core memories and help inspire the next generation into conservationists.' Perth Zoo recorded more than 900,000 visitors in the last financial year, with upgrades, funded by the State Government, also completed to improve seating, barbeque and event facilities at the zoo. Perth Zoo's $11.7 million state-of-the-art gibbon enclosure opened on Tuesday. Credit: Ross Swanborough / The West Australian The unveiling of the exhibit comes after the zoo's gibbon population was hit by tragedy over the weekend. Keepers said the Zoo's white-cheeked gibbon Jermei went into labour over the weekend, but that the baby did not survive. Gynaecological experts who normally help with human pregnancies performed a caesarean to give the baby the very best chance at surviving. Perth's Gibbon population are part of a global breeding program to help boost numbers, with the apes one of the rarest in the world and native to south east Asia.
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