Gibbon
Conservation Center
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. 2011 MARKS OUR 35th YEAR OF DEDICATION TO GIBBONS!
New Gibbon Born at GCC on Christmas Day!
Gabi, the Gibbon Conservation Center's Lead Primate Keeper has
announced that a new gibbon was born at the GCC on Christmas Day.
His official name is Alan Mootnick. At the GCC, his nickname
will be Alan or Big Al. His mother's name is Phy Gyi and his
father's name is Arthur. Alan is this bonded pair's first
infant.
Gorgeous full color photos of gibbons here at the Gibbon Conservation Center taken by Gabriella Skollar Charnofsky. Calendar is 8.5 x 11 inches, 12 months.
#CA-2012......$20
PETS.TV Video of Alan Mootnick interview Courtesy of PETS.TV/Entertainment Studios
Community of Rare Gibbons Found in Vietnam See more on our News page. This is wonderful news. It should bring their numbers to over 1000 in their native habitats in Asia. This is the rarest primate in the wild that is in a successful captive breeding program. We are so fortunate to house three pairs of these very rare gibbons. More photos.
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.
WORLD LOSES LEADING APE CONSERVATIONIST
Alan Richard Mootnick, 1951-2011
A Savior of Endangered Apes
Alan Richard Mootnick—one of the world’s foremost specialists and
conservationists of gibbons—passed away on Friday, November 4, 2011,
from complications following heart surgery. He was 60 years old.
Mootnick founded the non-profit Gibbon Conservation Center (GCC) in Santa Clarita, CA, in 1976, with the purpose to prevent the extinction of gibbons—small Southeast Asian apes—and to advance the study, propagation, and conservation of the species.
What started as a childhood fascination with gibbons developed into an important sanctuary, housing the largest gathering of endangered apes in the Western Hemisphere. Completely self-taught in primatology, Mootnick was one of a team responsible for the identification and naming of the highly endangered Hoolock Gibbon.
He published more than 30 articles in peer-reviewed journals and offered advice to zoos, government agencies, veterinary universities, and gibbon rescue centers throughout the world. He was the studbook keeper for five species and Husbandry Advisor for the Gibbon Species Survival Plan.
Mootnick and his work touched countless individuals and institutions. Hundreds of school children and students visit the Gibbon Conservation Center yearly, and the general public enjoys the annual “Breakfast With the Gibbons” fundraiser. Known for an eccentric style—gray-spotted beard, constant suspenders, and dry sense of humor—Mootnick was a person not easily forgotten. Strangers would approach him on the street, recognizing him from a long-ago school trip to the Gibbon Conservation Center.
A Los Angeles native, Mootnick is survived by his sister Ronnie Weinberger, nephews Paul and Steve Weinberger, aunt Jean Galanti, cousins Geri-Ann Galanti, and William and Kenneth Benbassat, and 44 gibbons currently residing at the Gibbon Conservation Center.
To read and add tributes to Alan, please see the Guest Book
Funeral services were held at Groman Eden Mortuary, 11500 Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills, on Tuesday, November 8, 2011, at 10am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Gibbon Conservation Center, www.gibboncenter.org/contribute/contribute.html The Board, staff, and volunteers of GCC are determined to carry on Alan's legacy and life's work.
From our late founder, Alan Mootnick
The
purpose of this website is to emphasize the endangerment of gibbons
and their unique behavioral and ecological adaptations. We at GCC hope you enjoy this website and will
often return to visit us.
And, please visit us on FACEBOOK
