By Mu Vitet
KOTA KINABALU: The Gibbon Conservation Society has welcomed the birth of a male Hylobates funereus gibbon a historic first for the endangered species in captivity.
The newborn, named Nabalu, arrived at 5:20am on May 8, 2025, to parents Manis and Candyman at the Borneo Gibbon Rehabilitation Project (Borneo GReP) site in Kampung Kiau Bersatu, Kota Belud.
The birth marks a significant milestone in wildlife rehabilitation efforts in Malaysia.
North Bornean gibbons, also locally known as Kalawot, are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and are endemic to Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
The name “Nabalu,” which carries deep symbolic meaning, was chosen by Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew, who has also symbolically adopted the infant.
“Nabalu not only reflects the sacredness and strength of Mount Kinabalu, but also embodies resilience, rootedness, and hope for the future of Borneo’s biodiversity and wildlife. It underscores the urgency of protecting what remains of their native habitat,” she said.
“I picked the name ‘Nabalu’ (or Spirit of the Mountain) for this baby gibbon by drawing from names provided by KK-born Mariani ‘Bam’ Ramli, the World Female Ranger Week Ambassador (2024–2025).
“We take pride in the recognition that the two gibbon rehabilitation project sites in Sabah and Pahang are Malaysia’s only IUCN-accredited gibbon rehabilitation centres,” added Liew.
The birth of Nabalu also coincides with the first anniversary of Borneo GReP, which was inaugurated on January 21, 2023, by Kadamaian Assemblyman Datuk Ewon Benedict, alongside officials from the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) and key local and global conservation allies.
Since its opening, Borneo GReP has grown from housing five gibbons to 12, most of whom were formally surrendered by the SWD, with additional individuals voluntarily handed over by members of the public.
