ZooParc Overloon mourns loss of gibbon Nonkel

Keepers and regular visitors to ZooParc Overloon have had to do without the singing of one of the park's oldest residents, Nonkel, since Friday. The 32-year-old white-wang gibbon was found dead in his enclosure last Friday morning.

Nonkel had lived in the park since ZooParc Overloon opened (2000). His wife Kanette, with whom he had three sons at ZooParc Overloon, is left alone. The park will look for a solution for the widow within the European Breeding Program (EEP).

Defeat

Nonkel's passing came as a complete surprise. He showed no abnormal behavior, ate well and was often outside with his Kanette. The dejection of the caretakers is therefore very great. Research must reveal the cause of death.

Singing

Witwang gibbons are native to parts of Vietnam, Laos and China. In the wild they live up to 28 years; in zoos they can live up to 40 years. Gibbons "sing" to mark their territory and often do so beautifully. In ZooParc Overloon, they are going to miss Nonkel's characteristic singing ...