GIBBONS HEALTH & REHABILITATION

Gibbons are among the world’s most endangered apes, with many species at risk due to habitat loss, the illegal wildlife trade, and hunting. Confiscated gibbons undergo years of rehabilitation with the hope of release back into the wild, but these recovery and release efforts are often limited by resource constraints and a lack of veterinary capacity at many centers. To address this, a diverse coalition of rehabilitation facilities, regional experts, and international partners are working together to build veterinary capacity and improve health outcomes for gibbons across Asia.

 

This collaborative initiative focuses on developing and refining standardized health protocols, supporting local veterinarians through mentorship and training, and utilizing a secure international database to improve knowledge-sharing and clinical care. Guided by the insights and needs of participating centers, the project also conducts regular webinars, workshops, and veterinary exchanges that emphasize peer-to-peer learning. By identifying health risks, improving diagnostic capabilities, and fostering coordinated action, the project is improving care for individual gibbons while also generating critical insights to support their long-term conservation and successful rehabilitation.