This exciting discovery was made during field monitoring activities in Vietnam, enabled through Perth Zoo's long term conservation partnership with Fauna & Flora. 

Sometimes referred to as 'the forgotten ape' these primates are facing increasing threats in the wild due to habitat destruction and the illegal wildlife pet trade. 

For nearly 10 years, Perth Zoo has been proudly partnered with Fauna & Flora Vietnam, supporting critical field work in Pu Mat National Park to protect critically endangered Northen White-cheeked Gibbons and other wildlife from poachers and wildlife traffickers.  

In the field, rangers undertake ongoing biodiversity patrols, camera trapping and acoustic monitoring.

As an arboreal species, gibbons spend most of their time in the treetops. Because they are difficult to spot, populations are typically monitored via audio surveys rather than visual observations. 

This rare sighting is an encouraging sign in the ongoing conservation efforts for one of the world's most endangered apes. 

Perth Zoo is home to two species of gibbon; the critically endangered White-cheeked Gibbon and endangered Javan Gibbon. 

Heartbreakingly, gibbons are prolific on the illegal pet trade and wild populations are struggling. In fact, they were the most highly trafficked primate in 2025. 

Gibbon-lovers can help make a change simply by being a responsible social media user, and avoiding or reporting content that showcase wild animals being kept as pets.

High online engagement can fuel the illegal wildlife trade and puts increasing pressure on declining populations. 

Perth Zoo runs daily free keeper talks at the Gibbon Crossing, where visitors can learn more and chat to zookeepers about the incredible species.