Behind the Scenes: Gibbon Health Checks at Noah’s Ark

At Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, caring for our animals goes beyond feeding and enrichment. We caught up with our dedicated primate keepers as they carried out routine health checks on our family of Siamang gibbons: Elwood, Seth, and Beatrice.

These checks are a vital part of our animal care programme and help ensure that the gibbons stay happy and healthy. But they’re also about building trust.

Our keepers work closely with the gibbons to train them to present different body parts, such as hands, feet or bellies. This allows keepers and vets to spot any signs of injury, irritation, or illness early on – such as cuts, bruises or changes in skin condition.

This kind of cooperative care is especially useful when it comes to vet procedures, vaccinations, or administering treatments. By making these interactions positive and stress-free, the team helps our gibbons feel comfortable and confident during check-ups.

Next time you visit Noah’s Ark, be sure to stop by the Gibbon habitat. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of Elwood, Seth or Beatrice during one of their training sessions – or hear their loud calls!