Fundraising for operational cost for GReP

THE PROBLEM

In Malaysia we are blessed to have 5 species of gibbons. In Peninsular Malaysia we have 3 species, which are the Agile Gibbon (Hylobates agilis), the Siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus), and the Lar Gibbon (Hylobates lar). In Borneo, we have the Abbott’s Gray Gibbon (Hylobates abbotti) in Sabah and the Northern Gray Gibbon (Hylobates funereus) in Sarawak. All 5 species are listed as endangered according to the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Sadly, they face many threats. While deforestation and habitat loss contribute to their declining numbers, the biggest threat to gibbons in this modern day is the illegal wildlife pet trade. In order to obtain one baby gibbon as a pet, an entire family of gibbons are killed by traders as the older gibbons are highly protective, so they are eliminated to prevent them from attacking the poachers. It is estimated that 10-20 individual gibbons are killed in the process of getting an infant from the jungle into the hands of an owner. Gibbons and other wildlife are sold openly on social media, despite it being illegal to do so.

Gibbons do not belong in human hands. They are complicated creatures and are difficult to care for as their diets are complexed and their social ques are often misunderstood by people. Many are fed an inappropriate diet, are deprived of the appropriate social interactions, and have limited physical exercise. As a result, many are neglected, abused and eventually die.

Countless innocent gibbon lives are lost and families are torn apart and destroyed. The drastic decrease in number also contributes to the species being deemed endangered and this continuing trend can lead to their extinction. It would be a huge loss to Malaysia if we lose this amazing species. Our forest will be silent of their life-bringing songs. We would lose a piece of what makes Malaysia amazing and unique.

THE SOLUTION

However, there is still hope for the gibbons of Malaysia. Gibbons are incredibly smart and adaptive creatures that can learn and recover from the pain and trauma of being a pet and develop the skills and behaviours of that of a wild gibbon, although the journey to recovery is long and difficult. With the proper care, space to recover, the right environment to promote natural and appropriate behaviours, and time, gibbons from the illegal pet trade can be rehabilitated and eventually be returned back into the wild.

This is where the Gibbon Conservation Society (GCS) and its Gibbon Rehabilitation Project (GReP) makes a difference to the lives of the gibbons who have unfortunately found themselves in the illegal pet trade. GCS’s main mission as an organisation is to conserve and protect Malaysian gibbons and other primates through rehabilitation and public awareness together with local capacity building for wildlife nature conservation. Through GReP we work toward rescuing and rehabilitating Gibbons and other primates that have been rescued from the illegal pet trade, with the hopes of one day releasing them back into the wild. 

The team works tirelessly to provide the best possible care for all the Gibbons at the project and are responsible for all aspects of their husbandry and rehabilitation. Each of the 12 Gibbons residing at the project are all at different stages of rehabilitation and all have individual needs, with some requiring 24 hour care as the team takes over the role of surrogate mother.  Many will take over 5 years (at the very least) to learn the necessary skills to be safely released back into the wild.

There are many costs associated with running GCS, particularly the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project. The main costs come in the form of food, as we have to be very particularly in the what types of fruits and vegetables we provide for the Gibbons. Other costs include husbandry and veterinary costs and utilities to run the centre.  

GCS relies heavily on public donations and support to keep their projects running. As it has with so many others, the COVID-19 crisis in Malaysia have made it incredibly difficult for us to gather funds for our main project, the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project. Sourcing fruits and vegetables for the adult gibbons and milk formula for the infants has been challenging and our scheduled volunteers, who provide us with funds and assistance on site, are now unable to come to work alongside the team. This is why we need your support.

THE IMPACT

With your donations we can source enough food for the Gibbons and ensure we are providing each and every one of them with the best care possible. We can then continue progressing with their rehabilitation even during this difficult time.

All of our amazing supporters and donors keep the Gibbons healthy and well fed. They keep GCS going! No matter how large or small the donation, every little bit makes a difference and gets the Gibbons one step closer to being released back into the wild. As a guide of how the funds can be used,

MYR 140 – Feeds ONE adult Gibbon for ONE week
MYR 150 – Replacement of husbandry equipment (rakes, gloves, brushes, brooms etc)
MYR 200 – Provides milk formula for our baby gibbons for ONE week
MYR 700 – Feeds our guard dogs for one month
MYR 1600 -  Feeds TWELVE gibbons, adults and infants, for one week

Your kind donations are very much appreciated. Please get in touch with us on our social media platforms if you wish to learn more about GCS or have any other queries. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gibbonconservationsociety/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gibbonconservationsociety/
Email: contactus@gibbonconservationsociety.org

Goal Breakdown

Goal 1 - Gibbon Food. Amount Needed: MYR13,000.00

Goal 2 - Maintenance. Amount Needed: MYR5,000.00

Goal 3 - Guard Dog. Amount Needed: MYR2,000.00

Contribute now to the rehabilitation of Gibbons to give them a better future!