An almost silhouette of a white-handed gibbon climbing a rope.

White Handed Gibbon

As its name implies, the white‑handed gibbon can be easily distinguishable by their strikingly white hands and feet. Sometimes called the 'lar gibbon,' this tailless ape also features a ring of white or light fur around its dark, hairless face. Its hair colour can also vary widely, from almost black or dark brown to light cream and sandy-brown.

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Zone

Asia

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Scientific name

Hylobates lar

IUCN Red List status

Endangered  (EN)

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Natural habitat

Tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia.

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Dietary Requirements

Omnivore: Fruit-based diet plus twigs, leaves, insects, flowers, and occasionally birds' eggs.

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Threats

Deforestation for agriculture, illegal pet trade, illegal logging, expansion of human settlements and hunting.

A baby white-handed gibbon resting on a log with the mother behind it.

About Al Ain Zoo

An Emirati family walking together towards the zoo entrance

About Al Ain Zoo

A Pioneering Vision

Established in 1968 by the UAE’s founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Al Ain Zoo has been in the forefront of preserving the region’s wildlife and delicate ecosystem, while caring for hundreds of endangered animals.

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