UPDATE: Perth Zoo’s beloved white-cheeked gibbon, Jermei, has been spotted for the first time in three weeks, bringing joy to zoo visitors and staff alike. The 22-year-old primate was seen swinging through her enclosure alongside her daughter, Lulani, and mate, Kayak, after a heart-wrenching month of recovery following the loss of her sixth child.
Just last month, Jermei underwent a C-section in a desperate attempt to save her newborn. Despite a faint heartbeat at delivery, the infant tragically passed away shortly after birth. The surgery required Jermei to remain separated from her family to ensure her recovery, making this recent sighting particularly poignant.
Primate keeper Nene Haggar shared that Jermei faced significant challenges during her recovery. “We actually had to keep her separated, and she did not enjoy that at all. She found it really challenging,” Haggar explained. The separation was necessary to prevent Jermei’s fellow gibbons from inadvertently disrupting her stitches during grooming.
On the wet, chilly morning of October 25, 2023, Jermei was finally allowed full access to her enclosure, showcasing her eagerness to explore. After a month of confinement, she gracefully roamed through the new open gibbon exhibit, swinging from ropes and taking a moment to reflect on her recent hardships.
Jermei has previously experienced reproductive difficulties, including a stillbirth last year, making this latest loss even more significant. As her last chance in the breeding program, zoo officials have decided to allow her the rest and comfort she deserves. “This would have been her last opportunity,” Haggar stated. “We just decided that it would be best just to let her live her life and relax now.”
The white-cheeked gibbon is critically endangered, one of the rarest primates globally. The Perth Zoo participates in a global breeding program aimed at increasing their numbers, with only 11 white-cheeked gibbons born in the past 35 years. This recent tragedy highlights the delicate nature of their conservation efforts.
As Jermei continues her recovery, zoo officials will monitor her interactions with Lulani and Kayak, ensuring her wellbeing is prioritized while fostering a nurturing environment. The emotional journey of Jermei resonates with animal lovers and conservationists alike, reminding us of the challenges faced by endangered species.
What happens next for Jermei and her family remains to be seen, but for now, her return to the open exhibit represents a hopeful step forward in her healing journey. Visitors are encouraged to come witness this remarkable primate as she embraces her freedom and begins to heal from her recent loss.
