| After orangutans, chimpanzees, bonobos and gorillas, gibbons are often the
fifth forgotten ape. Wild gibbon populations, including those of white-handed
gibbons like Cosmo, Bridget and their offspring, are steadily decreasing as a result
of human encroachment.
Cosmo is a handsome 14 year old male, who was snatched from his native forest
into a life of captivity and deprivation before being dumped at a Buddhist
Temple when he became older and more difficult to handle. Unaware of his needs,
the monks provided Cosmo with food and water, but kept him isolated and
neglected, locked in a tiny cage.
Bridget was dragged through busy streets all day as a photo prop for
tourists. Her owner finally gave her up to a Care for the Wild sponsored
wildlife rescue centre, after a series of raids by Thai police.
|  |
