Beyond individual well-being, pair bonds also matter for the survival of the species as a whole. Gibbons are endangered, with populations declining due to habitat loss and poaching. Maintaining strong family units ensures that offspring are raised in stable, nurturing environments, which directly supports population recovery. Zoos and conservation programs highlight these bonds to help visitors understand that saving gibbons is not just about numbers, it’s about protecting the relationships that allow them to thrive. By showcasing gibbons’ family lives, zoos raise awareness, inspire empathy, and educate the public about how deforestation and the illegal pet trade threaten these remarkable animals. Every connection 156 HAWAII PARENT November/December 2025 The pair enjoys each other’s company on a calm afternoon. made between visitors and the gibbons’ story helps build momentum for conservation efforts in the wild. Public Connection When you visit the Honolulu Zoo, you don’t have to look far to meet Bono and Japan. Their island habitat sits right at the front of the ‘Primates of the World’ section, making it easy to stop and watch them swing gracefully from branch to branch. Seeing their playful energy and hearing their calls in person helps visitors connect with these rare primates in a way that no book or video ever could. Every time you pause to admire their agility, you’re also joining a bigger story, one that reminds us why protecting gibbons and their forest homes truly matters. “Every connection made between visitors and the gibbons’ story helps build momentum for conservation efforts in the wild”
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