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The gibbons return - 14th October 2022

This jungle, which surrounds Angkor Wat in Cambodia, has come alive again. Hunting had almost entirely destroyed its gibbons and other populations.

However, charity Wildlife Alliance is successfully reintroducing the pileated gibbon. There’s now a growing population, says charity director Nick Marx.

Nick Marx: "We have now released four different pairs of gibbons within the Angkor forest. And they have gone on to breed and now seven babies have been born in the forest in Angkor. So, the project is going very well."

Pileated gibbons are the most endangered gibbon species. Their populations have plummeted due to the loss of land to agriculture and the cutting down of trees for business. Poverty’s also pushed people to hunt the animals illegally for meat.

In 1992, Angkor Wat became a world heritage site. The location’s protected by law and this protection includes the forests that surround it. 40 animal species have been reintroduced to the forests around Cambodia's most visited tourist site. Wildlife Alliance hopes this will further encourage tourism and educate people on the importance of nature conservation. Its aim is for tourism, local conservation and education to save the forests and its wildlife.

Moeurn Sarin's delighted with the progress.

Moeurn Sarin: "I am so happy to conserve and feed all of these animals that come and live in Angkor complex. When these animals grow up, young generation can see them and know animals that live in Angkor include gibbons and others."

Marx is proud of the project's success, which brings together Cambodia's cultural and natural heritage.

Nick Marx: "Angkor is so beautiful! The forests are well-maintained and protected and well-maintained. -The amazing temples, surrounding the amazing temples - and it's such a cultural important site and it's it's iconic! Gibbons, beautiful charismatic species back into these wonderful temples in this wonderful forest, what more could you ask”?