Gibbons are specialized brachiating apes whose welfare in captivity depends critically on providing opportunities for their highly specialized locomotion and social behavior.
Gibbon welfare in zoos requires specialized exhibit design featuring high overhead structures, long brachiation runs, and complex three-dimensional space to allow natural locomotion expression. Social housing in stable pairs with appropriate space for separation when needed addresses their monogamous social requirements. Territorial singing behavior should be facilitated rather than suppressed. Gibbons serve as important ambassadors for Southeast Asian forest conservation, with captive populations contributing to Species Survival Plans for critically endangered species.