For half a century, the Gibbon Conservation Center, located in the Santa Clarita Valley north of Los Angeles, has been a sanctuary for gibbons, some of the rarest and most critically endangered primates on Earth. The center, which cares for approximately 40 gibbons across five species, has evolved from a small animal collection into a globally recognized institution.
The center's vocalizations, which can range from siren-like sounds to grunts and hoots, are a daily occurrence. These songs can sometimes be heard up to a mile away in the sparsely populated area.
The institution was founded by Alan Mootnick, a self-taught primatologist who became a leading expert in gibbon care. While running a painting and remodeling business, Mootnick also published scientific papers, hosted international researchers, and provided guidance on gibbon identification and care. Gabi Skollar, the current director, moved from Hungary to the U.S. in 2005 to learn from Mootnick. She has continued his work since his death in 2011.
Skollar, who lives on-site with another caretaker, described the gibbons as having distinct personalities and quirks. She noted that Pepper, a young northern white-cheeked gibbon, often initiates the daily singing, while Violet and Truman, a pair of pileated gibbons, conclude the chorus. Pierre, a rescued gibbon, reportedly shows a dislike for men.
Gibbons typically sing three to four times a day, with each session lasting between 20 to 30 minutes. Skollar is pursuing a doctorate at the University of California, Los Angeles, studying gibbon vocalizations, aiming to share knowledge gained in captivity with field conservationists and other sanctuaries.
Conservation Efforts and Challenges
Gibbons face significant threats in their native tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, primarily from habitat destruction and the wildlife trade. Young gibbons are often captured from their parents and sold as pets. Mootnick acquired his first gibbon, Spanky, in 1976 after responding to a pet advertisement. Some gibbons at the center were born there, while others were acquired through inter-institutional exchanges to maintain genetic diversity in breeding programs. Several species at the center have wild populations of fewer than 2,000 individuals.
The Gibbon Conservation Center was the first to successfully breed Javan gibbons, a species endemic to the Indonesian island of Java. The center also plans to send a pair of northern white-cheeked gibbons to the Pittsburgh Zoo.
On-site caretaker Jodi Kleier highlighted the dedication involved, including preparing food five to six times daily to mimic natural foraging behaviors. Kleier recalled hand-rearing Rocky, a gibbon abandoned by his mother shortly after birth. Kleier, who has worked at the center for a decade, developed a passion for gibbons after taking a primatology course.
The center, while open for guided tours on weekends, receives interest from schools and other organizations. They collaborate with institutions like The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College, providing students with hands-on animal care experience. Mara Rodriguez, a development coordinator, noted that many students who visit for field trips later pursue careers at the center.
Skollar's future goals for the center include expanding enclosures and building an education center. She aims to honor Mootnick's legacy by continuing to dedicate her life to the welfare of gibbons, including one named in his honor.