Giving gibbons a second chance in Laos

When baby gibbons are taken from the wild, they are usually separated from their mothers to be sold as pets in the illegal wildlife trade. Tragically, when poachers capture a baby, the parents are very often killed, either because they try to defend their young or because the hunters deliberately kill them during the capture. This means that many rescued baby gibbons have not only lost their freedom, but also their entire family.

Some of these babies have been intercepted by the authorities following reports made through our Wildlife Rescue Hotline, which has now spread across Laos, and brought to LCTW for care and rehabilitation.

This is what happened to Kon Kham (Golden Rock), the young gibbon pictured here with Pearl, who has since adopted him. It makes us incredibly happy to have found Khon Kham a mother again. ❤️ After losing his family in the wild, having Pearl by his side gives him the companionship, comfort and social bond that are so important for a young gibbon's development.

Our most urgent need right now is to build a new, large natural forest enclosure for our gibbons. This enclosure will provide them with a more natural habitat where they can climb, explore, socialize and express their natural behaviours.

Most importantly, a forest environment is an essential part of their rehabilitation. The closer we can bring their living conditions to those they would experience in the wild, the better their chances of developing the skills they need to potentially return to their natural habitat one day.

Our hope is to give these gibbons a genuine second chance at life and, where possible, a chance to return to the wild.

Help us raise awareness about the plight of gibbons in Laos and support our gibbon rehabilitation programme. 

Every contribution can help us create a safer, more natural home for these incredible animals. 🐒🌿