All gibbon species are threatened by habitat loss and the illegal pet trade, with infants captured after mothers are killed causing acute welfare harms.
Infant gibbons captured for the pet trade experience acute trauma from maternal loss during a developmental period requiring extensive social learning. Infants unable to cling to mothers during capture die from falls or exposure. Pet gibbons kept alone without conspecific companionship develop severe psychological pathology including self-injury and stereotypic behaviour. Animals confiscated from the trade require years of specialist rehabilitation before release. The strong pair bonding of gibbons means separating wild pairs causes distress to both individuals.