It’s the perfect excuse for a trip.

Fota Wildlife Park has announced the birth of an endangered baby agile gibbon born on January 10th, 2024 to mum Chloe and dad Conor.

Conor, who was born in 1989, is one of the oldest primate residents at Fota Wildlife Park. Mother Chloe, who was born in 2000 has successfully bred with Conor in the past.

“We are delighted to announce the birth of any endangered animals, and the number of agile gibbons in the wild continues to decrease.” said lead ranger Teresa Power.

Photo: Darragh Kane

“Over the past five decades, their native environments have shrunk by half, and they face additional threats from hunters who exploit them for the illicit exotic pet market.

“For Fota Wildlife Park, these births capture the public’s interest and it helps us raise awareness about the plight of the many species that reside here and the endangered breeding programmes we participate in.”

The new baby seems to be settling in well and the team have observed him or her feeding from mum who is described as “a very experienced and dedicated mother”.

The youngster shares their island habitat with big brother Beamish, born in 2021. While it’s too soon to determine the gender of the latest addition, Fota Wildlife Park is calling on the public to help them choose the name.

Fota Wildlife Park is open daily from 9.30 am. This Easter there will be daily feeding times, wildlife talks and a fun Easter egg trail and quiz running for the mid-term break.