White-Handed Lar GibbonsHylobates lar
Yoko and Bernie
Two White-Handed Lar Gibbons whose warbling calls carry across the Brecon Beacons. Endangered, monogamous, and built for the canopy.
About the species
There are between 13 and 15 species of gibbon in four broad groups: Crested, Siamangs, Hoolock and Agile. Siamangs are the loudest land mammal in the world.
Lar gibbons are monogamous and mate for life. They are brachiators, swinging from branch to branch, and can travel up to 50 feet between trees at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. They are comfortable at heights of around 200 feet.
Their characteristic warbling song can be heard for miles, and they sing as a pair-bonded duet.
Worth knowing
35 mph
Top swing speed
50 ft
Single jump
200 ft
Comfortable at
Yes
Mate for life
Day to day
Named residents
- Yoko
- Bernie
Diet at WAMS
- fruit
- vegetables
- boiled eggs
- nuts
- seeds
In the wild
Gibbons are among the most endangered primate groups on the planet. Habitat loss and the pet trade are the principal threats.