World's first gibbon born in captivity in Kota Belud
Published on: Tue, Jun 10, 2025
By: Wu Vui Tek Text Size: Manis and Nabalu share a peaceful sunlit moment. Kota Kinabalu: The Gibbon Conservation Society welcomed the birth of a male Hylobates funereus gibbon—a historic first for the endangered species in captivity. The newborn, named Nabalu, arrived at 5.20am on May 8 to parents Manis and Candyman at the Borneo Gibbon Rehabilitation Project (Borneo GReP) site in Kampung Kiau Bersatu, Kota Belud.
Advertisement The birth marks a significant milestone in wildlife rehabilitation efforts in Malaysia. North Bornean gibbons, also locally known as Kalawot, are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and are endemic to Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia. 'This birth is especially important as it is the first from a rescued pair of Hylobates funereus—a gibbon species that has, until now, received very little conservation attention,' said Co-Vice Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission Primate Specialist Group (Section on Small Apes), Dr Susan Cheyne. The name 'Nabalu,' which carries deep symbolic meaning, was chosen by State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew, who has also symbolically adopted the infant. 'Nabalu not only reflects the sacredness and strength of Mount Kinabalu, but also embodies resilience, rootedness and hope for the future of Borneo's biodiversity and wildlife. It underscores the urgency of protecting what remains of their native habitat,' she said. 'I picked the name 'Nabalu' (Spirit of the Mountain) for this baby gibbon by drawing from names provided by KK-born Mariani 'Bam' Ramli, the World Female Ranger Week Ambassador (2024–2025). 'We take pride in the recognition that the two gibbon rehabilitation project sites in Sabah and Pahang are Malaysia's only IUCN-accredited gibbon rehabilitation centres,' added Liew. The birth of Nabalu also coincides with the first anniversary of Borneo GReP, which was inaugurated on Jan 21, 2023, by Kadamaian Assemblyman Datuk Ewon Benedict, alongside officials from the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) and key local and global conservation allies. Since its opening, Borneo GReP has grown from housing five gibbons to 12, most of whom were formally surrendered by the SWD, with additional individuals voluntarily handed over by members of the public. 'I started the Malaya Gibbon Rehabilitation Project (Malaya GReP) in 2013. As a Sabahan, I felt deeply called to act,' said the society's founder and President, Mariani 'Bam' Ramli. Manis and Candyman were rescued from prolonged captivity, victims of poaching and the illegal pet trade that continues to devastate wild gibbon populations. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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