Celebrating a new generation: The continuing success of the Re-Wilding Project at Angkor Wat

In the lush vastness of the Angkor forest, a remarkable story of wildlife conservation and sustainable habitat restoration continues to unfold with great success.

WildLife Alliance is thrilled to announce the arrival of the third generation of gibbons as part of its rewilding project with the Apsara Authority and Forestry Administration, an initiative that has seen these charismatic primates thrive in their natural habitat

The journey began in December 2013 when two gibbons, Saraynick (female) and Baray (male), were released into the wild. This pioneering pair adapted beautifully to their new surroundings, setting the stage for a thriving gibbon population in the area.

The second generation: The offspring of the pioneers

The first major milestone was the birth of Pingpeeang in September 2014. Pingpeeang, a female, grew up in the dense canopy of Angkor under the watchful eyes of her parents and the dedicated conservation team. Saraynick and Borey's conservation success did not stop with Pingpeeang. In July 2017, they welcomed another offspring, Changeth, a male. Changeth's arrival added further momentum to the growing gibbon community. This was closely followed by the birth of Kantelong in March 2020 and Kdam in October 2023.

Gibbon matchmaking: Expanding the family

Pingpeeang was paired with Bakheng, a male gibbon from Phnom Tamao, in 2020 and they began their wild life together in 2021. After two years of companionship, their relationship has solidified, reflecting the natural bonding behaviour of gibbons in the wild. Meanwhile, another pairing took place between Changreth and A'ping (female), born to Bayon (male) and Tevy (female) in July 2016, expanding the interrelated relationships within the gibbon families at Angkor.

Third generation: The future unfolds

The latest news to fill us with hope and excitement is the birth of Khmum in January 2024, whose sex has yet to be determined. And the birth of Oumal just a few months ago in April 2024. These births mark the third generation of gibbons from our original pairs, Saraynick and Borey, and Bayon and Tevy, indicating a robust population. These births are not just an increase in numbers; they represent the continued success of a carefully managed reintroduction effort.

Conservation and community

The Angkor Gibbon Re-wilding Project is more than just breeding and releasing animals; it's about creating an ecosystem where these animals can thrive independently. Every generation born in the wild raises our hopes and underlines the importance of long-term ecological restoration strategies. The gibbons themselves are vital to the regeneration of the forest, contributing to seed dispersal and the overall ecological balance.

Looking ahead

As we celebrate these new births, our focus remains on monitoring the health and social structures of gibbon populations, ensuring their habitat remains safe and undisturbed, and fostering a deep connection between local communities and conservation efforts. Each milestone is a step towards a future where the haunting songs of the gibbons will continue to echo through the forests of Angkor, a testament to nature's resilience when given a chance to recover.

In this beautiful corner of Cambodia, the story of the gibbons is a beacon of hope and a blueprint for rewilding projects worldwide. It shows how dedication, science and community involvement can come together to make a significant impact on the environment. Let's continue to support and watch with interest as the next chapters of this remarkable conservation story unfold.

By WA Admin