Unravelling the enigma: How a secluded gibbon mother defied odds to welcome a newborn

In a curious turn of events that has left wildlife enthusiasts and zookeepers baffled, a solitary female gibbon at Kujukushima Zoo & Botanical Garden in Nagasaki, Japan, managed to conceive and give birth, sparking a two-year-long investigation to uncover the father’s identity. The white-handed gibbon, affectionately named Momo, found herself at the centre of a zoological mystery when she became pregnant in 2021, despite being housed alone.

The birth of her charming offspring left the zoo staff bewildered, as they grappled with the enigma of her conception without a male companion. Social media platforms buzzed with intrigue as the zoo admitted to the public their uncertainty regarding the baby’s paternity. The protective nature of Momo towards her infant posed a challenge for conducting DNA tests, further deepening the mystery.

The puzzle was eventually solved when a DNA analysis revealed that the father was Itoh, a male gibbon residing in a separate enclosure. The revelation shed light on the resourcefulness of animal instincts, as it was discovered that Momo and Itoh had managed to mate through a minuscule nine-millimetre hole in the barrier separating their living spaces. This small aperture, situated in a communal area used by both gibbons, became the unlikely bridge for their clandestine rendezvous.

Jun Yamano, the superintendent of the zoo, expressed his astonishment at the unprecedented nature of the event, as gibbons in captivity are typically paired deliberately for breeding. The zoo has since taken measures to reunite the family by allowing Itoh access to Momo and their offspring’s enclosure, ensuring that the tiny gap that facilitated their union is now securely sealed.

This remarkable story not only highlights the unpredictability of wildlife but also serves as a testament to the enduring power of love and connection, transcending the physical barriers that separate us.