Hamm Zoo in mourning: Gibbons grandpa Franz dies at the age of almost 60!

Hamm Zoo in mourning: Gibbons grandpa Franz dies at the age of almost 60!

Mourning is the order of the day at Hamm Zoo. The Borneo gibbon Franz, who lived to be almost 60 years old, has died. This is a remarkable period of life for a gibbon, as these animals typically live to be around 45 years old. Franz was captured in Borneo in 1968 with his partner Franziska. The couple lived for many years in various zoological facilities in Asia and Germany before finding a new home in the Hamm Zoo in the 1990s. Interestingly, Franz and Franziska are the only wild-caught couple in the zoo, as wild-caught animals are no longer allowed these days. The zoo team, especially the animal keepers, are very affected by Franz's death and mourn the loss of their oldest resident, who always greeted visitors with a loud shout.

What will happen to Franziska now? After the loss of her partner, she is particularly cared for and closely monitored by the animal keepers. She has maintained a close bond with Franz in the past and the carers hope she will cope well with the situation. This is not the zoo's first farewell in recent times, as Puma Timo had to be euthanized in June due to a complicated fracture of his upper arm. Such reports show how important a close bond is between animals and their caretakers.

The fate of the Borneo gibbons

But Franz is not just a personal sadness for the zookeepers. Gibbons, even if they live in zoos, are under pressure in their natural habitat. Particular challenges arise from human intervention, such as hunting and deforestation. Thoughts about protecting Borneo gibbons revolve not only around those living in zoos, but especially those in the wild. The Borneo Nature Foundation reports that gibbons are highly territorial and require large areas to survive. Their habitat often covers extensive areas, which come under more pressure as more trees are lost.

A research project by Dr. Susan Cheyne and the Borneo Nature Foundation over eight years have shown that gibbons not only require large amounts of space, but also have a complex territorial structure. These animals defend their core area intensively, while often sharing their wider home area with neighbors. This is crucial for their survival, as large and connected forests are the only way they can exist in the wild.

The needs of young gibbons

There is also hope for the challenges faced by Bornean gibbons in the wild. A project that deals with the rescue of a very small, weakened baby monkey has shown how important human help can be. Masked and wearing gloves, the helpers approach the little creature, who is hungry and dehydrated. Solutions such as x-rays and close care are necessary to ensure the baby monkey survives the next 24 hours. This is further proof of the importance of looking after the welfare of these animals.

Overall, Franz's death is not only a loss for Hamm Zoo, but also sheds light on the challenges that gibbons face in the wild. Awareness of their needs and protection of their habitats are crucial to ensuring that future generations of these fascinating animals can survive. Collaboration between governments, communities and conservation organizations will be essential.