Wildlife centre mourns 'soulful' gibbon

A wildlife rescue centre has announced a gibbon it first homed nearly 20 years ago has died.

Monkey Haven at Newport on the Isle of Wight said siamang gibbon Bog had passed away aged 23.

In a social media tribute, it said he had brought a "special kind of magic" to the sanctuary.

Bog's uncle and lifelong companion at the centre, Xhabu, died in June.

In a Facebook post, Monkey Haven said: "We are heartbroken to share that our darling siamang, Bog, has passed away after a brave battle with cancer.

"Throughout his life Bog was known for his gentle nature, expressive face, and soulful eyes.

"He was calm and thoughtful, and he loved spending time in his favourite high perches where he could watch everything happening around him."

Native to the forests of Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, siamang are the largest of the gibbons and are currently endangered in the wild.

He was rehomed to the Isle of Wight with his uncle Xhabu in 2006 and the pair formed an unexpected friendship with two Müller's gibbons - mother and daughter duo, Bono and Kajan - who lived in an enclosure next door.

The centre said it was a remarkable achievement, as siamangs and Müller's gibbons come from different parts of south-east Asia and would never encounter each other in the wild.

"Xhabu taught us that every life matters, every story is worth telling, and every act of kindness counts," said Terri Cook, animal manager at Monkey Haven.

"We will honour his memory by continuing to give animals a second chance and a safe, loving home."

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