Gibbon
Conservation Center
A nonprofit center for the study,
preservation, and propagation of highly endangered species
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| A Former Volunteer's Experience Gaga for Gibbonsby Lisa G. Thorpe ’96 In March 2003, I had decided to take a personal leave of absence from my full-time job because I needed to scratch the itch that I’ve had for a few years. As a Cultural Anthropology major at Hobart and William Smith, I had studied abroad in Mexico as well as taken a course called Primate Behavior during my senior year. These were the foundations for my interest in primates. Upon my arrival at The Gibbon Conservation Center, I had no idea that a month later I would be leaving with a wealth of knowledge about the small Southeast Asian apes housed there. Established by Alan Mootnick over 25 years ago, the Center is a nonprofit facility located in Santa Clarita, California. The mission of the Center, which is dedicated to the conservation of the endangered gibbon, is to assist zoos and rescue centers in better captive management of these animals, as well as to educate the public and encourage noninvasive behavioral studies. There are nearly 40 gibbons at the Center, representing six species: Javan, Pileated, Agile, White-cheeked, Hoolock and Siamang. As a resident primate keeper, my daily duties included preparing food, feeding the gibbons, maintaining the grounds, as well as reporting deviations from normal food consumption, unusual behavior and any unsafe conditions in the enclosures. Volunteering at the Center was an amazing experience. Every day I woke up to wonderful vocalizations at about 5:30 a.m. My workday actually started at 6:45 a.m., when I prepared the first feeding of the day: apples and monkey chow, followed by the big vegetable feed, then nut treats. In the afternoon the gibbons would be fed more apples and bananas, then receive a lettuce treat at the end of the day. I also had to change the water in the enclosures before 4 p.m., as that was the time they went to sleep. This was a seven-day-a-week job, which was sometimes strenuous, but always rewarding. As the days went by, I learned the different personalities of each gibbon, what their favorite food was, who liked to intimidate and who was moody. Their behavior was remarkable to observe because this is exactly how we humans are. I also was lucky to be present at the birth of a baby Agile gibbon named Chioma. I am delighted that I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Center. Their mission is admirable, and I encourage others to visit the facility or others like it. For more information, visit their Web site at www.gibboncenter.org. Who knows? Maybe there is a possible career change ahead for me. |
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