Endangered North Bornean gibbon successfully born in captivity in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU, June 12 — The birth of a male North Bornean Gibbon (Hylobates funereus), locally known as “Kalawot,” on May 8, 2025, has marked a global milestone — the first successful captive birth of this endangered species. This historic event took place at the Borneo Gibbon Rehabilitation Project (Borneo GReP) site in Kg Kiau Bersatu, Kota Belud, and was announced by Sabah’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Seri Christina Liew.

The newborn gibbon, a result of the pairing between rescued gibbons Candyman and Manis, was named “Nabalu” — meaning “Spirit of the Mountain” — by Minister Liew, based on name suggestions provided by Sabah-born primatologist and Gibbon Conservation Society (GCS) founder Mariani Ramli. The symbolic adoption of Nabalu by the minister reflects the state’s ongoing commitment to gibbon conservation.

Founded in 2013, GCS is a non-profit organisation focused on rescuing, rehabilitating, and reintroducing gibbons into the wild. Its Borneo GReP site, launched in 2022, plays a crucial role in reversing the damage caused by the illegal wildlife pet trade, which has severely impacted Malaysia’s gibbon populations.

"This birth is a landmark achievement for gibbon conservation and a first of its kind in captivity,” Liew said, expressing her ministry’s full support for GCS’s efforts through the Sabah Wildlife Department (JHL).

Mariani, who also serves as Director of Operations at Borneo GReP, shared that once Nabalu reaches over six months of age, he and his parents will be released into the wild as a family unit.

“The successful birth of Nabalu proves that Candyman and Manis are ready for re-wilding,” she explained. “They meet the criteria outlined in the IUCN Best Practice Guidelines, which include brachiation (swinging from tree to tree), limited time spent on the ground, strong social behaviours, and evidence of co-parenting.”

She also emphasized that re-wilding can only proceed with agreement from all stakeholders — KePKAS, JHL, GCS, and the local community at the designated release site

During the event, Liew congratulated Mariani for her global recognition in gibbon conservation, including being named World Female Ranger Ambassador for Resilience in both 2024 and 2025 — the only Malaysian to receive this honour.

“Your dedication has not only advanced gibbon conservation in Malaysia but also brought pride to Sabah,” Liew said.

Malaysia’s only IUCN-accredited gibbon rehabilitation centres are located in Sabah (Borneo GReP) and Pahang (Raub), the latter overseen by Ana Jonessy, another conservationist from Sabah.

Sabah Wildlife Department Director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar, who was also present, reaffirmed that all gibbons rescued by the department are entrusted to Borneo GReP for rehabilitation.

Despite its vital role, GCS remains relatively unknown to the public. Yet, it continues to lead in the preservation and future rewilding of one of Malaysia’s most iconic yet endangered primates. — The Borneo Post