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MYSTERY SOLVED ON HOW THE ISOLATED GIBBON GOT PREGNANT

Published: 2025-12-14 19:48:57 Last Updated: 2025-12-15 12:23:45

Officials at the Japanese zoo where Momo the gibbon lives were baffled when she became pregnant two years ago. They weren't sure how the 12-year-old gibbon got pregnant because she lives alone in her enclosure. The enigma has now been unravelled thanks to DNA evidence.
There are undoubtedly two barriers separating the female white-handed gibbon from her neighbours. Zookeepers found it challenging to comprehend what had transpired as a result. They tried to get DNA samples from the male gibbon she gave birth to in 2021 for a number of years. However, Momo did not allow them to get close enough to take the samples since she was naturally protective of her infant.
In the end, they were able to obtain samples from Momo, her son, and four possible dads who reside nearby. They can now declare with certainty that Itoh, a 34-year-old nimble gibbon, is the father.
One riddle was addressed via DNA, but the Kujukushima Zoo & Botanical Garden crew still had to figure out how the gibbons mated. Zookeepers suspect that a small perforated board that divides Momo's enclosure from an exhibition area is the perpetrator, even though there is no CCTV film of the incident.

In the morning and afternoon, Itoh and Momo alternate leaving the display area. Although the board has nine millimetre holes, its purpose is to avoid mating. Amazingly, employees think that this is how they were able to procreate. Zoo supervisor Jun Yamano stated, "We believe it's very likely that they copulated through a hole on one of the days that Itoh was in the exhibition space."

Itoh would have needed to put forth a lot of effort to win Momo over. The staff is astonished by what transpired in part because Gibbons are known to be fussy regarding mates. These monogamous animals use complex vocalisations, social behaviour, and attractiveness to choose mates.

The zoo is gradually trying to get Itoh to join Momo and her son now that they have a complete family photo. "They must first become accustomed to one another. However, I hope they coexist as a single family," Yamano said. The zoo is not taking a chance on any more unexpected pregnancies in the interim. A divider with no openings has now taken the place of the perforated board.

Article Tags: Viral Zookeeper Zoo Myster Isolated Gibbon