Nagasaki: Gibbon’s Father Identified 2 Years after Mysterious Birth
![](https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/10331939.jpg)
Momo, a white-handed gibbon, left, and her son at the Kujukushima Zoo & Botanical Garden Mori Kirara in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture
13:56 JST, February 18, 2023
SASEBO, Nagasaki — Two years after a white-handed gibbon gave birth unexpectedly to an offspring while in virtual isolation at a zoo in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, the father of the young monkey has been identified.
![](https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/10331937.jpg)
Itou, an agile gibbon that has been found to be the father of an unexpected baby
Momo, now 12, had been kept in a private enclosure at Kujukushima Zoo & Botanical Garden Mori Kirara to prevent contact with males of other species because white-handed gibbon are threatened with extinction and are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s red list. Momo, however, unexpectedly gave birth to a male baby in February 2021.
In December last year, DNA analysis revealed that the young monkey’s father was Itou, a 34-year-old male agile gibbon. Officials said at the time of conception, Momo and Itou were in areas that were adjacent but separated by a metal plate. It is believed that they came into contact with each other through a hole in the plate that measures about 9 millimeters in diameter.
Momo has proved to be a devoted mother. The young gibbon has developed quickly, now weighing about 2 kilograms.
"Features" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
Spicy Couscous Dish for Hot Summers; Addictive Spice Mix from North Africa to Make Stew
-
‘Jewelry box’ Cafe Brings 1980s Sparkle to Tokyo; ‘Felt Like I was Transported Back to the Showa Era’
-
Nagoya Restaurant’s Local Grilled Eel Specialty Serves Up Perfect Summer Dish; Michelin Guide-Listed Eatery Still Considered ‘Newcomer’
-
Nighttime Summer Festival to Be Held at Tokyo Museum; 6 Nights of Traditional Fun Include Access to Museum
-
Traditional Owara Kaze no Bon Festival Begins in Toyama; Elegant Dance Attracts Visitors
JN ACCESS RANKING