- How was Sutera, the new female siamang,
selected as a companion for Simon?
- Simon
lived with female siamang "Sai Buri" for
15 years until December of 1997 when she was lost to an inoperable
tumor. A search was implemented for a suitable companion for Simon
utilizing zoo wide information on eligible female siamangs. Sutera
was chosen because she was unrelated to Simon and was reared in
her natal family. She was also being moved to the periphery of
the family at a time when offspring siamang leave the roost in
search of a mate.
-
- How are Simon and Sutera getting along?
- As
Simon and Sutera get acquainted, there is a lot to learn about
each other.
Sutera was raised by her
parents and observed breeding activity. Simon was raised by humans
and never learned how to breed. Possibly Sutera’s knowledge
will facilitate breeding between the two.
-
- Additionally,
the siamang’s duet is intricate
and participants must learn specific parts. Sutera and Simon
are presently forming their own song patterns.
-
- Why is the pool water so dark in their
exhibit?
- The
water is dark due to a non-toxic, non-staining dye. This dye
prevents
algae growth, thus reducing the number
of times water needs to be changed. Additionally, the large pool
of water is the main barrier that prevents the siamangs from
escaping their outdoor habitat. The water’s dark surface
does not allow the siamangs to see the pool bottom. Since they
cannot judge the water’s depth, this discourages them from
entering the water.
-
- Are those real vines stretching between
the trees?
- Even
though they look real, they’re not.
They were manufactured at Woodland Park Zoo and are made from
rope with a urethane coating. These vines enable our siamangs
to brachiate (swing hand-over-hand) as siamangs do in Peninsular
Malaysia.
-
- Why
can’t I see the siamangs
in their outside exhibit?
- In order to provide visitors with opportunities
to view the siamangs during inclement weather, an indoor naturalistic
exhibit was constructed. This indoor space adds to the total
space available for the siamangs, and provides them the opportunity
to be indoors or outdoors as they choose.
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