From the President�

Dear Members and Friends,

Welcome to the Christmas Edition of the SGP newsletter. This time of year always seems to become hideously busy for everyone but we encourage you to find a few minutes to read about the important progress we have made in the last few months.

Without doubt the most significant event in SGP history saw the release of the first ever pair of ex captive Silvery Gibbons back into a protected area of forest in October! This has been a long term goal for everyone involved in Silvery gibbon conservation and we were proud to be involved in making it happen! So far Echi and Septa seem to be doing very well and will continue to be monitored for some time. Congratulations to Anton and his team for getting 2 gibbons back where they belong!!

As many of you will know, SGP also held its most succesful fundraising event ever in October. Our much anticipated Art Auction raised over $22K which was a fantstic effort. We were overwhelmed with the generosity of the contributing artists and of course everyone who attended and thanks must go to all of you. A huge thankyou to the Art Auction Committee who spent many months ensuring the event would be a success, it really was a credit to you.

It is with anticipation that we can now look forward to a productive 2010. We are currently developing strategies to protect wild populations and will continue to provide support to the Javan Gibbon Centre and Mobile Education Units.

We hope that you will continue to support us over the coming year and we look forward to updating you on our progress. We have several exciting events planned for 2010 so we look forward to seeing you there.

Wishing you all a happy and safe festive season and thankyou once again, from the gibbons, for your generous support of SGP!

Take care

Clare

In this issue:

President�s report 1

Javan Gibbon Centre update 2

Captive Silvery Gibbons 2

Xrays and Health Assessments 3

Gibbon Release 4

Javan Gibbon Centre 5

Committee Profile 5

Silvery Gibbon Project Art Auction 6

Take a walk on the wild side 7

Membership form 8

The SILVERY GIBBON PROJECT

PO BOX 335 COMO 6952 WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Website: www.silvery.org.au E-mail: SGP@silvery.org.au

Phone: 61 8 92933052

December 2009

Photo: Kate O�Connell

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Javan Gibbon Centre Update In late September Vice President Karen Payne and committee member Holly Thompson travelled to Java on behalf of the Silvery Gibbon Project and visited the Javan Gibbon Centre. The aims of this trip were to:

Visit a number of institutions holding captive Javan Gibbons within Indonesia Perform xrays and health assessment of some the JGC gibbons Observe the gibbons at the Pattiwel site prior to their release Monitor the progress of the Javan Gibbon Centre

Karen and Holly also had the opportunity to meet with Alain Compost (below), a French photographer and wildlife documentary maker based in Indonesia who has created a series of wildlife documentaries on endangered Indonesian Wildlife. Alain accompanied them to the Javan Gibbon Centre and was able to take some photographs as well as movie footage of the gibbon centre and the xray procedures. He was also able to be there for the gibbon release on the 16th October and obtain video footage of this historic event. We hope to be able to raise funds to help create a gibbon documentary within his wildlife series with some of the footage already obtained. This would be a valuable addition to the current mobile edu-cation unit already up and running. At a cost of $17,000 USD, this is not a cheap undertaking but we feel it would be very worthwhile, so we will be hoping to find a specific grant that will allow us to finance this. Alain was also one of the artists featured in the Silvery Gibbon Art Auction, donating a number of stunning photographs of endangered Asian wildlife. Captive Silvery Gibbons

We were able to visit a number of places holding captive groups of Silvery Gibbons including the Schmutzer Primate Centre, Bogor Primate Centre, Bandung Zoo and Taman Safari Indonesia. This was part of the outcomes of the Indonesian Gibbon Workshop held last February, with the hope of updating the International captive studbook for the species and helping to write a husbandry and care manual to optimize the care of those captive gibbons. While the standard of care of animals in general at some of the places was very concerning, a number of places were obviously caring well for their Silvery Gibbons. Both the Bogor Primate centre and Taman Safari have hopes of being able to release their gibbons back to wild habitat at some point in the future, which is encouraging. We are hopeful that this visit will help to increase communication between the various institutions as we all work toward a common goal and a global management plan for the species.

Above left: Holly with Javan Gibbon Centre keepers Igud and Mulya, and French photographer Alain Compost. Above right: Javan Gibbon Centre staff at the entrance to the centre. Over page (clockwise from top left): Nakula with his new bungee rope; Nakula having radiographs taken; Vet Nana examining some of the radiographs; Nakula�s chest radiographs.

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Xrays and Health Assessments

During the visit we were able to arrange for the hire of an xray machine from the Bogor University to allow us to obtain radiographs from a number of the gibbons. While xrays are a routine diagnostic test in small animal medicine here, at the Javan Gibbon Centre this is the first time since the centre opened in 2002 that we have been able to perform these tests. The procedure required not only the hire of a port-able xray machine, but also the set up of a temporary darkroom to develop the pictures. With our make-shift darkroom in place, we were able to radiograph three of the gibbons � Nakula, to assess the extent of his spinal changes; Sasa, to assess her chest for any bone abnormalities; and Nuk, to assess her chest. The xrays revealed both Nuk and Sasa to be normal, with no signs of pathology. Nakula�s xrays demon-strated the severe spinal deformity we already knew existed but showed no active changes to indicate ongoing disease. The changes seen are likely the result of changes early on in his life, probably due to poor diet and lack of sunlight. They indicate that although he has quite dramatic curves in his spine, they appear to be stable. The xrays taken during this visit will also act as a baseline for us to compare to in the future if his condition should worsen. Despite his deformity, Nakula moves around his forest enclosure with good agility. He has continued to increase in weight over his last two health checks, although he could still stand to put on a little more weight. He has also shown an improvement in his coat condition. Holly and Karen were able to find some dietary supplements and recommend some dietary changes that will hopefully allow Nakula to further increase in condition. He also received a bungee enrichment toy in his enclosure (see below) that was donated by SGP.

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Gibbon Release

During the visit we were able to spend 2 days and one night at the Pattiwel release site where a pair of gibbons, Echi and Septa, have been staying since mid�August. The pair were moved to the Javan Gibbon Centre in mid-2008 after previously residing at the Cikananga Rescue centre for almost 5 years. Over the past 6 months there has been significant development of the 5 hectare Pattiwel site to prepare it for the release of the two gibbons. An enclosure for the gibbons was built deep in the centre of the forest to allow the gibbons to habituate themselves to the site. A number of paths were cut around the site to allow the keepers to patrol the forest and to find local fruit to feed the gibbons prior to release. Much effort was also put into educating the local people about the release to ensure the gibbons and the forest remain protected. In addition, an American research student (Jaima), who has worked with gib-bons at the Gibbon Conservation Centre in California, has been taking behavioural observations of the gibbon pair for over a month before release and these were continued for a further month post release. The over 40ha of land adjacent to the release site has been replanted with trees to allow the develop-ment of a corridor between the release site and the Gunung Gede Pangrano National Park, so that in a few years these gibbons will be able to expand their territory and move across a much larger area. Dis-cussions are also currently underway to establish a wildlife protection unit which serve to protect the other remaining wild gibbons within this important National Park. Unfortunately for Holly and I, timing wasn�t on our side and we had to leave Java less than a week prior to the release, what would be the first ever release of Silvery Gibbons back into wild habitat. The re-lease went off without a hitch and Echi and Septa have been monitored by keeping staff since. All re-ports indicate that the pair are doing well and managing to find their own food in the forest. There is even speculation that Echi might be pregnant, so it may be that we soon have a third silvery gibbon swinging around Pattiwel forest.

Above: Gibbons Echi and Septa climb their way to freedom after being released from their enclosure into Pattiwel forest.

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Javan Gibbon Centre

The Javan Gibbon Centre continues to go well, with 30 gibbons now residing at the centre. Most of the gibbons are now housed in pairs, although finding the perfect match for some has not been so easy. Nancy and Jeffrey continue to get along like a house on fire, and after spending months alongside each other, Kiskis and Yuki are enjoying being housed together. The staff are constantly monitoring the progress of the gibbons and looking for signs of incompatability. An American research student has also been staying at the centre for a couple of months and making behavioural observations of the gibbons. New parents Kun and Nuk continue to look after their young boy, affectionately known as Willy. The arrival of the pair from Cikananga last year was delayed due to the birth of Willy, but since they have been at the JGC he has developed well and is turning into a mischievious little thing.

Right: Young Willy suckling from mum Nuk. Far right: cheeky little Willy hanging upside down from mum�s waist.

Committee Profile: Pam Willimott

In this Newsletter is the third of our profiles on a committee member: Pam Willimott.

Pam was born in Fremantle, and has lived in Perth most of her life, except for a two year stint in London and one year travelling through South America.. She has travelled widely, but South America and Madagascar are her favourite destinations. Pam works as an Administration Support Officer with Silver Chain, an organisation she has been with for twenty years. She is happily married and has a grown-up daughter; and her hobbies include gardening and Triumph cars. She has been a member of the Triumph Sports Owners Association for nearly thirty years (that�s commitment!).

Pam is a long-term member of the Silvery Gibbon Project, and is now its Secretary, having taken on the position in early 2007 after assisting on the Committee for a year. She is an ardent supporter of animal conservation, and a member of other organisations dedicated to assisting endangered species. Asked why she joined the Silvery Gibbon Project, she stated,

Pam has been an invaluable member, assisting early on with the mail out of the newsletter, and later becoming involved with the Committee. She has been active in fund-raising events, and as Secretary plays a key role in planning and maintaining accurate records.

�Because I wanted to help make a difference. Silvery Gibbons are an endangered species, and I wanted to do something. And unlike many organisations, The Silvery Gibbon Project is based in Perth�.

Top: Pam with her 1967 Triumph GT6 which she�s had for 25 years. Above: Pam with daughter Nicole at Singapore Zoo.

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The Silvery Gibbon Project Art Auction was held on Saturday 31st

October at the Perth Zoo Theatre. This event is traditionally one of our biggest fundraisers and this year�s auction was a great success with just under 100 people attending and raising just over $22,000 through the sale of some wonderful artworks. This is a fabulous result and the funds will go a long way towards helping the gibbons. It would not have been possible without the generosity of the many artists, local, national and international, who contributed such fine pieces of art to our cause, and of course without the generosity of all those who came along on the night and snapped up some true masterpieces! A big thanks to Nicholas Duncan, our charismatic auctioneer who convinced so many of us to part with our hard-earned money for such a worthy cause. In addition we would like to thank:

Master Picture Framers Cannington, for doing such a wonderful job with framing Lorraine Dunn, for handling the finances on the night Tanya Taylor, for making the theatre look like a tropical oasis Our Auction committee, for the many, many hours of work involved in organizing this

event before, during and after the night.

The night went very smoothly, thanks to a lot behind the scenes help from committee and volun-teers. Unfortunately our host, 6PR�s Graham Maybury was unable to attend due to last minute car troubles, but his role was ably filled by our president Clare Campbell.

Can you help us? The Silvery Gibbon Project is looking for someone to help with our accounting. In the past we have been generously supported by Byfields Accountants, however in 2010 they will no longer be able to provide us with the same discounted service we have previously received. As a small non-profit organization manned solely by volunteers, we are always trying to minimize expenditure on operating costs so that we can direct our funds towards conservation outcomes. Every cent counts! If you know of someone who would be willing (and able) to help us with our annual auditing requirements at a very reasonable price � or even pro bono, please contact us at SGP@silvery.org.au.

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Take a Walk on the Wild Side! The Silvery Gibbon Project is joining forces with the Australian Orangutan Project and the Asian Rhino Project to host an inaugural walkathon in March 2010. The 3.5km event will be held at Lake Monger in mid March 2010. In addition to the walk itself, there will display stalls, a barbeque, face painting and lots of fun for the whole family. A great chance to get fit and raise money for three great causes. Participants in the event are encouraged to get sponsorship from friends, families, workmates or even complete strangers to help raise money and awareness about these three projects supporting endangered wildlife species in Asia. So get your walking shoes on and start training. More details will be provided closer to the date so stay tuned!

Christmas is Coming! The Silvery Gibbon Project has a wide range of merchandise that would make great Christmas presents for friends and family. Not only do you get a unique present, you also get the added bo-nus of knowing that your present will also give the gift of hope to Silvery Gibbons.

If you want a gift that keeps giving, why not purchase one of our adoption packages? The basic package is just $75 or you can indulge and buy the deluxe package for $150. Choose from any of our eight gorgeous gibbons available for adoption: Nakula, Kiskis, Nancy, Jeffrey, Moni, Moli, Mel and Saar, or adopt them all.

We also have Moli toys for $15 each (or 2 for $25), and are clearing out our Tshirts for $20 (normally $28) to make way for new stock next year. Earrings are also available for $15-$25 a pair. Contact SGP@silvery.org.au to place your order now.

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SILVERY GIBBON PROJECT PO Box 335, COMO, Western Australia, 6952

Phone: (61) 8 9293 3052 or 0438 992 325

Fax: (08) 9331 4317

Website: www.silvery.org.au Email: SGP@silvery.org.au

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