Siamang

(Symphalangus syndactylus)

Live: Through southeast Asia, predominantly mainland Malaysia and Sumatra.

Habitat: Evergreen tropical rainforests.

Diet: Mainly leaves and soft fruits. Flower buds, insects,  nuts, birds and birds’ eggs are also eaten.

Gestation: Siamangs bear one offspring after a 235 day gestation period.

Longevity:  Up to 30 years in the wild.

Conservation Status: Near threatened, if habitat destruction continues.

General: The siamang are the largest of the gibbon family, and have an inflatable throat sac, allowing them to make loud resonating calls or songs. They sing for about 15 minutes several times a day.  These calls are thought to aid bonding of pairs as well as protecting territory, and can be heard from up to 5km away. 

(Click here to watch a video of our siamang pair singing in the morning!)

Of all the gibbons, siamang are considered the best at walking upright, holding their long arms above their heads  for balance.  

Male and female are similar in size, reaching 1m in height and weighing up to 23kg.