Swing into our new habitat, the Gibbon Crossing!
When you enter the Zoo, watch in awe as our White-cheeked Gibbons brachiate through the skies right above you!
This immersive new area cleverly uses our vertical space to provide a large habitat for them to do what they do best, swing and sing. Overhead rope pathways allow the gibbons to swing further than ever before, expanding their territory and choice as they pass over visitors walking below.
White-cheeked Gibbons are one of the most agile primate species. As expert brachiators, the Gibbon Crossing gives you the chance to see their incredible acrobatics in action!
Meet the gibbons
Perth Zoo is home to a family of three White-cheeked Gibbons, mother-daughter duo Jermei and Lulani, and male Kayak.
Kayak – the male. He's 32 years old and was born in France.
+ Learn more about Kayak
- He’s easily spotted as the biggest gibbon in the group, he’s black and has endearing underbite with lower canine teeth often sticking out.
- Kayak is not Lulani’s dad but has taken on a step-dad role with her since he arrived in 2023.
- He previously lived at Perth Zoo and came back to be matched up with adult female Jermei in the hopes of breeding.
- He loves cooked sweet potatoes and corn and is described by keepers as very laid back.
Jermei – the mum of the family. She’s 22 years old and was born here at Perth Zoo.
+ Learn more about Jermei
- You’ll easily spot her as the only blonde.
- She’s had three babies, including Lulani, and is even a grandmother. Her grandbaby gibbon lives in Tasmania.
- She’s very beloved by the keepers here and is an excellent gibbon mum.
Lulani – the daughter, the small black gibbon who's easily the cheekiest.
+ Learn more about Lulani
- She has recently turned six and is starting to show flecks of blonde fur – when she reaches sexual maturity she will turn completely blonde like her mum.
- Lulani is super curious and loves to investigate everything new. Keepers say she loves to be in the spotlight and show off her incredible aerial acrobatics.
- Relationships are very important to her and she’ll often sit very still while her mum grooms her, then she’ll return the favour.
- Lulani loves to eat corn on the cob.
Helping gibbons in the wild
Perth Zoo proudly supports international conservation organization
Fauna & Flora Vietnam.
With our support,
Fauna & Flora carry out field work in Vietnam to protect the country’s largest population of wild gibbons.
Their important work supports local communities and protects gibbons from poaching and the illegal wildlife trade.
During the build
Here’s a behind-the-scenes glimpse into bringing this habitat to life.