How a sanctuary outside LA has cared for rare, endangered gibbons for a half-century

In the sun-scorched hills of the Santa Clarita Valley, north of Los Angeles, the Gibbon Conservation Center has spent the last 50 years caring for some of the world's most endangered primates. The facility, nestled in the quiet outskirts of a sparsely populated region, is home to approximately 40 gibbons spread across five distinct species. Each morning, the air fills with the distinctive calls of these animals, ranging from high-pitched shrieks to deep, resonant hoots, as they begin their daily vocal displays. These sounds, often audible a mile away, mark the start of a routine that has continued uninterrupted for nearly half a century. Founded by Alan Mootnick, a self-taught primatologist and former home painter, the center began its journey in 1976 with the acquisition of a single gibbon named Spanky. Mootnick, who passed away in 2011 due to complications following heart surgery, turned his passion into a lifelong commitment. His efforts led to the establishment of a sanctuary focused exclusively on gibbons, a rarity in the world of animal conservation. Over the years, the center evolved from a modest operation into a global hub for research, rescue, and rehabilitation of these primates. Today, the center is managed by Gabi Skollar, who arrived from Hungary in 2005 to study under Mootnick. After his death, she chose to remain at the facility rather than pursue further education elsewhere. “We have to keep going and take care of this place,” Skollar said, emphasizing the importance of continuity in the care of the gibbons. Living on-site with another caretaker, she rises each morning to the symphony of gibbon calls, treating the animals as her own family. The gibbons at the center exhibit unique personalities and behaviors. For instance, a young northern white-cheeked gibbon named Pepper often initiates the group's singing sessions, while a pileated gibbon named Violet concludes the chorus alongside her mate, Truman. One notable resident, Pierre, shows aversion toward men, highlighting the complex social dynamics within the primate community. These interactions provide valuable insights into gibbon behavior, which Skollar is currently exploring in her doctoral studies at UCLA. Gibbons face numerous challenges in the wild, including habitat loss in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia and the illegal wildlife trade. Many are captured as infants and sold as exotic pets, disrupting their natural social structures. The center plays a crucial role in mitigating these issues by providing a safe haven and contributing to broader conservation efforts. Through collaborative breeding programs with other institutions, the center ensures genetic diversity among the gibbons in captivity, a vital component for their survival. Recent developments include the successful breeding of Javan gibbons, an endangered species native to Indonesia's Java Island. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the center. Additionally, plans are underway to transfer a pair of northern white-cheeked gibbons to the Pittsburgh Zoo, expanding the reach of the conservation work conducted at the facility. On a typical morning, caretakers like Jodi Kleier engage in the routine of feeding and monitoring the gibbons. Kleier, who has been with the center for over a decade, recalls how she first became enamored with these animals during her early days as a volunteer. Her dedication is symbolized by a tattoo of one of the gibbons she helped raise, Rocky, who was orphaned shortly after birth. Kleier's story reflects the personal connections formed between humans and the gibbons, underscoring the emotional investment required in such long-term conservation efforts. As the sun sets over the hills surrounding the sanctuary, the gibbons' calls echo once more, a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Gibbon Conservation Center. The work continues, driven by individuals like Skollar and Kleier, whose commitment ensures that these rare primates receive the care and attention necessary for their survival.