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A 'song of the apes' you won't forget
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The public is invited to visit the Gibbon Conservation Center in Santa Clarita Sunday, Oct. 19, on the occasion of an annual fundraiser, beakfast and guided tour of the largest collection of gibbons (small apes) in the Western Hemisphere.
"We'll hear the gibbons ' sing' their spectacular territorial call--a trulty remarkable and unforgettable experience," enthuses Alan Mootnick, founder of the center.
Gibbons are a rare species of acrobatic, tree-dwelling apes that live in Southeast Asia. Even as they are so dexterous while moving through trees that no predator can catch them, all nine species of these primates make the the endangered list because of the rapid deforestation of their habitats.
The gibbon center was founded to advance the study and conservation of these small, long-armed apes. It also assists in educating the public about their endangerment and aid zoos, rescue centers and veterninary universities in developing improved captive management practices and supporting ongoing field conservation projects, Mootnick explains.
"We generally have one fundraiser a year. Since we have outgrown the 5 acres we are currently on, there is a 1,000-acre development next door, and weather is becoming more harsh, we would like to purchase 50 useable acres in Ventura County," he says. Thus, fundraising has taken on greater significance, he adds.
Thirty-two years ago, Mootnick worked in construction to support the gibbons, turning his enterprise into a non-profit in 1990.
"GCC specializes in behavioral studies on gibbons, collected by students, scientists and volunteers working at the center. Several mated pairs have produced offspring, making an important congribution to the world's captive gibbon population."
The event, featuring a continental-style vegan breakfast, runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon and includes tours of the center, a special children's area of activities (including toddlers), raffle prizes and the Gibbon Gift Shop.
Admission, which is tax deductible as a contribution to the center, is $35 for adults, $30 for seniors 60 and older, $15 for teens 13-17, $10 for children 3-12 and free for kids under 3.
Detailed information and directions to the center may be obtained by visiting gibboncenter.org.
