Zoo & Captive Animal Welfare

Zoo Gibbon Welfare and Locomotion

Gibbons are specialised brachiators requiring extensive overhead structure to perform natural locomotion. Without appropriate structures, their welfare is severely compromised.

Key Facts

Gibbons use brachiation - arm-over-arm swinging - as their primary locomotion
They can travel up to 15 mph through forest canopy in the wild
Captive gibbons without adequate overhead structures show high levels of stereotypy
Pair bonding is typical in most gibbon species and social management is critical
Gibbons are highly vocal and their calls are an important welfare indicator

Welfare Considerations

Gibbon welfare is fundamentally constrained by access to adequate overhead locomotion structures. Facilities unable to provide extensive brachiating opportunity cannot meet this species' core welfare needs.

What You Can Do

Support accredited zoos with large, structurally complex gibbon enclosures
Learn about gibbon ecology and their locomotion welfare needs
Advocate for overhead structure standards for brachiating primates in captivity
Support wild gibbon conservation in Southeast Asian forests