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A California house painter taught himself about gibbons 50 years ago — and now his center is a world-leading rescue facility
In between morning feedings, the gibbons begin to sing — loudly.
TL;DR
- The Gibbon Conservation Center in Santa Clarita Valley, California, was founded 50 years ago by Alan Mootnick, a self-taught primatologist.
- The center cares for approximately 40 gibbons across five species, many of which are critically endangered.
- Director Gabi Skollar continues Mootnick's mission, living on-site and dedicating herself to the gibbons' well-being.
- Gibbons face threats from habitat destruction in Southeast Asia and the wildlife trade.
- The center has successfully bred endangered species like the Javan gibbon and collaborates with institutions like the Pittsburgh Zoo and Moorpark College.
- The center is open for guided tours on weekends and provides educational opportunities for students.
- Skollar's future goals include expanding enclosures and building an education center to further the center's conservation and educational efforts.