The Unlikely Sanctuary of Los Angeles’ Hidden Hills

Fifty years ago, a self-taught primatologist and home painter responded to a newspaper ad for a pet gibbon. This unlikely encounter marked the beginning of the Gibbon Conservation Center, now a renowned institution dedicated to the care and well-being of gibbons.

The center’s director, Gabi Skollar, inherited a legacy from her predecessor, Alan Mootnick, who had transformed the sanctuary into a thriving hub for research and conservation. Under his guidance, the center grew from a small assortment of animals to a global leader in gibbon care and conservation.

Skollar’s devotion to Mootnick’s mission is evident in her tireless work, often starting before dawn to tend to the gibbons’ needs. The center’s residents are not just creatures; they’re individuals with distinct personalities and quirks. Pepper, a young northern white-cheeked gibbon, leads the morning chorus, while Violet finishes it off with her partner Truman.

Gibbons are among the rarest and most critically endangered primates on Earth, with some species having populations as low as 2,000 in the wild. Habitat destruction and wildlife trade pose significant threats to their survival. The Gibbon Conservation Center plays a crucial role in global research, studying gibbon vocalizations, breeding programs, and conservation efforts.

Skollar’s own doctoral program at UCLA is an extension of this work, highlighting the center’s dedication to sharing knowledge with researchers and conservationists worldwide. Jodi Kleier, a decade-long employee and volunteer, has formed a deep bond with Rocky, a young gibbon she hand-reared after it was abandoned by its mother.

The connection between human caretakers and these apes is one of the most fascinating aspects of the sanctuary. This relationship extends beyond the center’s walls, inspiring visitors, students, and volunteers alike. Mara Rodriguez, a development coordinator at The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College, has raised four gibbons in her career and credits the Gibbon Conservation Center with instilling a lasting impression on those who visit.

Skollar’s long-term goal is to raise funds for larger enclosures and an education center, ensuring the center remains a sanctuary not just for gibbons but also for humans. As she honors Mootnick’s legacy, it becomes clear that this unlikely institution has transcended its role as a refuge for endangered primates – it has become a symbol of hope, resilience, and connection in a world where both are often in short supply.

The Gibbon Conservation Center stands as a testament to the power of dedication, innovation, and compassion. As visitors gaze upon these apes’ haunting melodies, they’re reminded that even in the most unexpected places, beauty, wonder, and determination can thrive – if only we choose to listen.