Baby gibbon adopted by surrogate moms Skittles, M&M at Cincinnati Zoo

CINCINNATI — Sister buff-cheeked gibbons have adopted a baby gibbon who was rejected by his parents before coming to the Cincinnati Zoo.

Sisters, Skittles and M&M, are in their teens and have not raised offspring of their own, but were identified as a good potential as a surrogate family for 6-month-old Kip, according to the zoo.

Kip’s parents at the Dallas Zoo showed little interest in caring for him so the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Program recommended trying to find a new family.

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“We observed positive interactions throughout the introduction process, so we were optimistic that the three would do well when we removed the mesh barrier for the full introduction,” Cincinnati Zoo Zoological Manager Victoria McGee said. “It went even better than expected! Both females have shown interest in Kip and they have spent the last two nights sleeping all together in one hammock.”

The zoo said they will continue to feed and care for Kip while encouraging interactions with Skittles and M&M.

For updates on Kip and when visitors will be able to see him visit the zoo’s website.

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