Europe’s Oldest Lar Gibbon Celebrates 60th Birthday at Lake District Wildlife Park.
The Lake District Wildlife Park has recently celebrated the 60th birthday of one of its lar gibbons, Brian is the oldest of his species in Europe.
The zoo is home to a family of lar gibbons, the smallest ape species are endangered due to hunting but Brian and his two children, Nobby and Sally can be seen swinging through the trees at Armathwaite Hall estate.
The average life expectancy of a lar gibbon in captivity is 44, Brian’s year of birth was recorded by the London Zoo as 1963, so he is beating this record by some distance thanks to the care he receives at the wildlife park.
He arrived at the Wildlife Park in 2000 with his partner Sooty, mum of Sally and Nobby, who sadly passed away last year.
Lucy Dunn, Conservation Officer at the Lake District Wildlife Park, said: “We’re so happy to see Brian reach this milestone – and he’s still sprightly for his age! Our visitors adore our little lar gibbon family, and they live together as a cohesive unit. They all have their own individual characters, especially Brian.
“He loves venturing out when the sun is shining, but on colder days, he likes to stay in the warmth of his heated house – but he’ll keep an eye on everyone through the window! Nobby and Sally are very active and love swinging from branch to brand – also called brachiating. Nobby loves to sing from the treetops!”
Brian found fame in 2015 when videos of him running around his enclosure were turned into memes by a park visitor– and his popularity has continued ever since.
As part of his birthday bash, Brian was presented with presents and a cake, Lucy said is a vital part of his enrichment as gift boxes full of treats and cakes contain vital components of his diet.
Lucy said unwrapping and investigating his gifts also provides vital mental stimulation.
Staff at the park are busy making banners, paper mâché balloons, special cakes, cards and presents for Brian’s big birthday bash.
The park has invited Brian’s fans to make him birthday cards to send in or hand-deliver.
To find out more or arrange a visit with Brian visit:
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