Gibbon Center Home

Gibbon Conservation Center
A nonprofit center for the study, preservation, and propagation of highly endangered species

Welcome

to the web site of the Gibbon Conservation Center (GCC) in Santa Clarita, California. GCC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit facility established by Alan Richard Mootnick in 1976 for the study, propagation, conservation and betterment of the highly endangered small ape, the gibbon, and for the education of the public about the plight of this fascinating primate.
We formerly were known as the International Center for Gibbon Studies (ICGS) but we have changed our name. We hope the new name will be easier to remember, and we feel it more clearly states who we are and what we do.
THIS YEAR MARKS OUR 32nd YEAR OF DEDICATION TO GIBBONS!

Mission Statement

The mission of the Gibbon Conservation Center is to prevent the extinction of this small SE Asian ape, and to advance its study, propagation and conservation by establishing secure captive gene pools in case attempts to preserve species or subspecies in the wild fail. We provide a safe haven for all gibbon species as a complement to protecting them in the wild. We educate the public, assist zoos and rescue centers in better captive management, encourage noninvasive behavioral studies, and support ongoing field conservation projects.

photo by J. Zuckerman

Nomascus l. leucogenys

URGENT PLEA TO OUR FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS:

The Gibbon Conservation Center needs to begin collecting funds now to purchase property in order to relocate. Encroaching local development will soon become a very real threat to the health and well-being of our gibbons. Stress from the sight and noise of construction, and microorganisms in the dust stirred up in earth moving, pose unacceptable and lethal dangers.

Such a move will be, by far, the greatest and most difficult undertaking GCC has ever faced. While maintaining the facility in its present location, we must find the additional funds to purchase property, obtain permits, build enclosures, offices and living space for the director and staff, then move the entire contents of the current facility. Most importantly, the safety and health of the gibbons during the move must be carefully planned for and assured. This move will take at least a year and a half, but we must begin immediately.

Our most urgent need is for at least 20 usable acres (or the funds to buy) in Los Angeles, Ventura, San Luis Obispo or Monterey County, or other mild climate more suitable for the gibbons.

Can you help with a donation of land or any amount of money to help purchase it? All contributions are tax deductible. Please write us at PO Box 800249, Santa Clarita, CA 91380, call 661-296-2737,
or email gibboncenter@earthlink.net.
Thank you!

Our Fundraiser April 12 was a big success. Thank you very much to all who participated and donated.

KTLA story on fundraiser

Employment Opportunity
Paid position available: Veterinary Technician

Rare Births We are proud to announce the birth of a female pileated gibbon (Hylobates pileatus) named “Jitka” who was born on 21 October 2005. There are only 14 pileated gibbons housed in three institutions living in the Western Hemisphere. We house half of them. Only 30,000 remain in the wild with approximately 12 known captive breeding pairs worldwide.	photo by E. Bell female infant pileated gibbon
We are pleased to announce the births of two Javan gibbons, Hylobates moloch. The first female Javan gibbon born in the USA was born here at GCC on 28 Aug. 2003. And on 5 June 2004, our other pair of Javan gibbons gave birth to a male. These are only the fifth and sixth births of this critically endangered species in the USA, all of which were born at GCC.	photo by J. Ingle male infant Javan gibbon

Good News for Hoolock Gibbons in Their Native Habitat:

"Tree fellers turn forest protectors
Innovative project stops illegal logging at Lawachara
by ZAM Khairuzzaman

SHAMSER Ali, Shamim, Manik and Sujai, four former tree fellers of Doluchhara, dropped their axes and whipsaws about three months ago and have became active members of a 20-member community patrol team in the Lawachara National Park. . . . "(see entire article)

photo by R. Agha

Alan Mootnick

The purpose of this website is to emphasize the endangerment of gibbons and their unique behavioral and ecological adaptations. We also anticipate the publication of the results of primatologists' research on gibbons. This website summarizes past and ongoing noninvasive behavioral study at GCC. In the future we will advertise opportunities at GCC and at other venues, such as upcoming meetings, conferences, and internships.
We will feature different species of gibbons, and highlight what makes them unique from the other gibbon species. We at GCC hope you enjoy this website and will often return to visit us.

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Welcome

Mission Statement

Employment Opportunity Paid position available: Veterinary Technician

Employment Opportunity
Paid position available: Veterinary Technician