A rare and endangered baby siamang, a species of black-furred gibbon native to the forests of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, was born last week at ZooTampa. According to zoo officials, both the baby and its mother, Hutan, are healthy. The newborn joins its 3-year-old sister, Kazuki, and proud father, Sensei, as part of ZooTampa’s growing siamang family. While the baby’s gender remains unknown for now, ZooTampa’s team expressed excitement, stating it will be a few weeks before they can determine it.

“We’re thrilled to welcome this newest addition to our siamang family,” said Chris Massaro, ZooTampa’s Chief Zoological Officer. “Siamangs are endangered, so each birth is a beacon of hope for the species. Both mom and baby are doing well, and visitors may soon catch a glimpse of the young one in its exhibit.”

As the largest species of gibbon, siamangs are known for their strong family bonds—particularly unique as fathers play an active role in raising their young. They are famous for their distinctive calls, amplified by an inflatable throat sac, which can echo across their forest habitats. However, siamang populations continue to decline, primarily due to habitat loss from forest conversion, mining, road construction, and hunting.

Listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, each birth is a critical step in conservation efforts. ZooTampa’s dedicated team remains hopeful for the species’ future, with initiatives like this helping raise awareness and appreciation for siamangs and their wild habitats.

(Image credit: ZooTampa at Lowry Park)