I agree with @Jambo that Li-Lian and Jin Huan are much less engaged with guests than I remember Vang and Tieu being, but they have still become very closely bonded with each other - and it's often evident in their behaviour. I enjoy watching their interactions a lot, and I've seen other guests take the time to similarly appreciate their relationship. (Li-Lian is descended from Vang.)
Notable Individuals in Australian Zoos in the 21st Century
- Thread starter That Aussie Guy
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- individual animals
Jin Huan's now in Tasmania. Cahn (his replacement) is to a descendant of Tieu and Vang via his maternal grandmother (Viann) who was their daughter. Makes me speculate they're a non breeding pair because of their relation, and would explain why the initial pair was broken up despite their close connection.
Li Lian is a naturally shy female and Melbourne's had to extend a barrier from the viewing window to allow her to feel more comfortable. She apparently just got used to the absence of crowds during the pandemic and never seemed to fully adapt back. Because of this, the gibbons are often difficult to view now and it's not unusual to see most visitors completely skip the gibbons these days, something of which would've been with their previous pair!
Ah thanks Jambo. I'd missed that Jin Huan had been replaced. That's a shame.
I find that since the extra barrier and the tinting on the window, it's sometimes easier to see them via the side of the enclosure on the path down. But that's not enough of a view to engage most casual visitors.
I find that since the extra barrier and the tinting on the window, it's sometimes easier to see them via the side of the enclosure on the path down. But that's not enough of a view to engage most casual visitors.
I do appreciate this view a lot too but often times it's Cahn down there on the side of the exhibit; he seems to be more friendly than Jin Huan was. The only time I ever see Li Lian these days is when she comes over to interact with Cahn!
However, with the recent vegetation added to the exhibit it's pretty much now practically impossible to view the gibbons unless they are at the mesh.