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SALT LAKE CITY — The first gibbon successfully born at the Hogle Zoo has been reunited with his family.
Thai, a white-handed gibbon, was born Aug. 14 at the Hogle Zoo. Zoo staff decided to step in and help raise the gibbon when they noticed Candy, Thai's mom, was not producing enough milk.
"It really was our only option," said Katie Richins-Benson, primary keeper in the primate building.
Zoo staff had to remain with Thai 24 hours a day, eating, sleeping and showering at the zoo. And taking care of a baby gibbon is messy — keepers went through several changes of clothes a day.
While one keeper took care of Thai, others worked with Candy and Riley, Thai's dad, to get them ready for their son's return. Richins-Benson said gibbons can get aggressive around their young if they are not prepared.
Four months later, Thai was reunited with his family. Richins-Benson said Candy and Riley are attentive parents who were well-prepared to take care of him.
Video contribution: Shara Park
