TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A couple of Javan gibbon (Hylobates moloch) and their baby are facing difficult times in finding foods after being released into the wild life of Gunung Tilu Nature Conservation Area, Ciwidey. After months, the gibbons are still depending on the animal caregiver who monitor their condition.
The three gibbons were released from the Aspinall Foundation Animal Rehabilitation Center, Ciwidey, Bandung, West Java, on May 2014.
“They were released during the dry season. They have difficulties in finding fruits from the forest since it was not the fruit-bearing season,” said Sigit Ibrahim, a coordinator in the center to Tempo on Friday.
However, Sigit added that they can gather leaves. The caregivers also reported that Cheri and Ukong, the adult gibbons, are starting to behave like wild animals.
“If they sense unfamiliar people, they would climb onto the trees up to 15 to 20-meter high. But they can get close to the caregiver,” said Sigit.
Sigit said that his team will give out less fruits when the fruit-bearing season comes, so that the gibbons can live independently.
Cheri, the 4-year-old gibbon was the victim of illegal hunting that was once lived as pet in one of resident’s house in Ciwidey. He had six bullets on his body and the center could only take out four of them. The hunt also made Cheri’s left eye blind. The female gibbon, Ukong was also confiscated from other Ciwidey resident.
ANWAR SISWADI
