Release Date: June 30,2025
Akron Zoo Welcomes Baby Gibbon
June 27, 2025, AKRON, Ohio – A white-cheeked gibbon has been born at the Akron Zoo. The zoo’s adult female gibbon, Parker, gave birth today, June 27, at 4:20 p.m. The entire gibbon family will have access to the public indoor day room daily for guests to possibly see the new baby.
The baby is doing well, and its sex is unknown at this time. Infant gibbons hold on to their mothers from the time of birth. Parker is proven to be an excellent mother. The zoo plans to announce a naming contest later.
This is the second baby for Parker and the zoo’s male gibbon, Milo. The pair previously welcomed a female, Lolani, back in December 2021. Lolani still resides at the Akron Zoo and will remain with the gibbon family. Being an older sister is an important milestone for female gibbons as it helps them develop skills to be a mother themselves.
White-cheeked gibbons are a lesser ape species that are native to Southeast Asia. The species is listed as critically endangered by IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, mainly from deforestation to create palm oil plantations. The native population of white-cheeked gibbons has decreased about 80% in the last 50 years.
The Akron Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The zoo participates in the Gibbon Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is a scientifically managed breeding program that works to ensure a healthy, genetically diverse population of white-cheeked gibbons. The zoo also plays a leadership role in AZA’s Gibbon SAFE program as Brenna Erjavec, the zoo’s occupational health and safety managers, serves as the co-chair. SAFE stands for Saving Animals From Extinction and focuses the combined expertise of AZA zoos to help save gibbons.
The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. Peak season hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission rates are $11 – $21. Children under two are free and parking is free. For more information visit www.akronzoo.org or call (330) 375-2550.
Founded in 1953, the Akron Zoo is a non-profit, world conservation zoo with more than 2,000 animals from around the world. Located just west of Downtown Akron, the zoo strives to connect your life to wildlife while inspiring lifelong learning and conservation action. The Akron Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.