Although they resembles monkeys, gibbons are technically primates of the ape family.
Gibbons are incredibly social creatures and, unlike many of their relatives in the ape family, they mate for life. Once they're bonded, they are fiercely protective of each other and their young.
They're also the fastest tree-dwelling mammal, able to swing up to 15 feet from branch to branch. They're naturally inclined to need lots of space so they can get their proper exercise, as Aperil the gibbon displays at this animal sanctuary.
Recently, rescuers of the Wildlife Friends Foundation of Thailand were notified of a gibbon in desperate need of their rescue. This gibbon, Alicia, was alone and didn't have nearly enough space.
Alicia's mother was killed when she was only 6 weeks old. She was passed from one owner, a Thai man, to an American expat who was unprepared to care for her. Though he tried to find a sanctuary for her, he could not find a suitable home. He ended up putting her in a rusty cage behind the house…
To see what happens to Alicia, please keep reading. Don't forget to SHARE if you believe in preserving our wild animals!
Though Alicia's owner tried to do the best he could for her, it was not what Alicia needed. She grew depressed during her time in confinement, and eventually the depression grew into aggression and a desperate need to flee.
Alicia was able to escape by creating a hole in the roof and running free. Her owner was able to capture her, but he suffered several bites to his hands. He was severely bleeding, in need of medical assistance, and didn't know what to do with Alicia.
He locked Alicia in his bathroom feeling he had no other options. Alicia sat in there for six days as the owner desperately searched for a solution. He finally found the Wildlife Friends Foundation, who were able to come out and rescue Alicia.
The rescuers found Alicia in the bathroom, crouching in fear and biting her thumb out of nervousness. She was clearly devastated, confused, and frightened.
The foundation took her in where they made sure she was healthy. They began introducing her to other gibbons — she's even started bonding with a male — and she's beginning to unlearn her fear of humans.
Best of all, she now has a relatively spacious area where she can run, jump, swing, and socialize with other gibbons. Though her owner had the best of intentions, you can't stop wild animals from being wild.
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