Gibbon Conservation Center | 50 Years of Rare Primate Care

A Legacy of Primatology

In the dry, sun-drenched hills of Santa Clarita, California, a unique sanctuary has provided a lifeline for some of the rarest primates on Earth for half a century. The Gibbon Conservation Center now houses approximately 40 gibbons across five distinct species, serving as a critical site for the study and protection of these endangered apes. These small creatures are known for their complex vocalizations, which range from bird-like screeches to guttural hoots. Residents of the surrounding area often hear these songs echoing across the hills every morning.

Alan Mootnick founded the center in 1976 after purchasing a gibbon named Spanky from a private seller. A self-taught primatologist who balanced his conservation work with a career in home renovation, Mootnick became a respected authority on gibbon identification and care. His influence spread through the scientific community as he contributed to academic research and consulted with experts globally. Since his death in 2011, Director Gabi Skollar has maintained the facility, ensuring the center continues its mission of protecting species that face severe threats from habitat loss and the illegal pet trade.

Scientific Contribution and Species Survival

The center functions as more than a shelter; it is an active research hub. Gabi Skollar, who moved from Hungary to join the center in 2005, is currently pursuing a doctorate at the University of California, Los Angeles, with a focus on gibbon vocal patterns. By studying how these primates communicate in captivity, researchers gain insights that assist conservationists in the wild. Some of the species cared for at the facility, such as the Javan gibbon, have fewer than 2,000 individuals remaining in their native habitats.

The staff is intentional about ensuring genetic diversity within their breeding programs. Occasionally, the center trades animals with other institutions to support population stability. For instance, the organization was the first to successfully breed Javan gibbons, and they are preparing to move a pair of northern white-cheeked gibbons to the Pittsburgh Zoo. These efforts are part of a larger plan to keep the population stable for future generations.

Daily Operations and Community Involvement

Life at the center is dictated by the needs of the animals. On-site caretaker Jodi Kleier oversees a daily routine that includes preparing fresh produce, such as steamed sweet potatoes and bananas, which are served five to six times a day. This schedule mimics the foraging behaviors the animals would exhibit in Southeast Asian rainforests. Kleier, who joined the team a decade ago after an initial volunteer stint, hand-raised a gibbon named Rocky after he was abandoned by his mother, reflecting the personal commitment required to support the center.

The public engages with the animals through weekend guided tours and partnerships with local institutions. The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College frequently sends students to the facility for hands-on training, a pipeline that has helped many young professionals start their careers in zoology. Mara Rodriguez, a development coordinator at the zoo, notes that many students who initially did not know what a gibbon was eventually commit their professional lives to the care of these apes.

Future Goals and Ongoing Impact

Skollar has clear priorities for the future. She aims to secure funding for larger enclosures and an on-site education building to better serve visitors. These upgrades would allow the center to host more school groups, increasing public awareness of the threats facing primates. The sanctuary remains a testament to Mootnick’s initial vision, and his influence continues to guide the staff today.

As the center looks toward its next 50 years, the focus remains on individual care and species-wide survival. Each gibbon has a distinct personality, from Pepper, who leads the morning songs, to Violet and Truman, who finish them. By focusing on the details of daily life, the caretakers provide the stability necessary for these critically endangered animals to thrive.