Tasmania Zoo is celebrating after the birth of a baby white-cheeked gibbon - a species listed as critically endangered.
The baby was born on Friday the 13th of August, which may be considered unlucky for some, but in this case was a very lucky day for the zoo team.
"We knew she was expecting, but we got quite a surprise when we came in that morning and saw the little baby," Tasmania Zoo owner Rochelle Penney said.
The baby was the offspring of the Riverside zoo's white-cheeked gibbons Nhu and Tiane.
They were now first-time parents after reaching the right age to breed.
"Mum and baby are doing well, she's been a very good mum and the dad is keeping a close eye on them," Ms Penney said.
"We've seen the dad go and check on them and he's also been grooming both the mum and baby, which is great to see."
Ms Penney said this was the first to be born in Tasmania, and the zoo was still not sure of the sex of the baby, as it had been closely attached to its mum since birth.
"If the baby is a male it will turn black like Tiane, but if it's female the baby will be lighter in colour like Nhu, so we will have to wait and see", she said.
White-cheeked gibbons remained critically endangered in the wild due to habitat loss, poaching and the illegal pet trade.
The Tasmania Zoo team was hoping to raise awareness for the animals who were continuing to rapidly decline in numbers.
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The white-cheeked gibbon was native to Vietnam and Laos, with 19 individual gibbons in zoos across Australia and New Zealand.
Tasmanian parents Nhu and Tiane arrived from Adelaide Zoo and Perth Zoo nearly three years ago and were too young to breed at the time, but have now proved they can grow their family.
Ms Penney said she hoped the new baby would entice more people to visit the Tasmania Zoo.
"It's always very exciting when we have a new baby at the zoo, especially when they are this cute," she said.
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Nikita McGuire
Born and raised in Launceston, Nikita is passionate about the stories that matter to locals. When she is not at work you can find Nikita adventuring around Tasmania or spending time with family and friends. If you have story tips or events in the Arts and Events sector, please contact Nikita at nikita.mcguire@austcommunitymedia.com.au or on 0437 031 581
Born and raised in Launceston, Nikita is passionate about the stories that matter to locals. When she is not at work you can find Nikita adventuring around Tasmania or spending time with family and friends. If you have story tips or events in the Arts and Events sector, please contact Nikita at nikita.mcguire@austcommunitymedia.com.au or on 0437 031 581
