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While living in Thailand in the 70’s, Dr. McGreal rescued four gibbons who were being kept as pets. She brought them to Summerville, SC and established IPPL’s Gibbon Sanctuary. The original property consisted of about 10 acres in the South Carolina Lowcountry.

Over the years, IPPL has increased its size by purchasing adjacent properties to act as a buffer and prevent development next to our sanctuary. As a result, IPPL now owns almost 50 acres.

Home to dozens of gibbons over the years, we have 10 gibbon houses, many spacious outdoor enclosures, and aerial walkways that allow the gibbons to move about more and observe their neighbors. It also allows us to move the gibbons easily and without stress or anesthesia when needed.

Because gibbons are monogamous and territorial, we attempt to introduce single gibbons to form new pairs – but the outcome is their choice! Each gibbon couple has their own quarters and connecting outdoor enclosure, separate, but in view of other gibbons. The gibbon houses are hurricane-proofed, temperature-controlled and have TV’s to keep the gibbons entertained when the temperature falls below 50 degrees or there are other weather concerns.

Veterinary care is an important part of the care provided for our gibbons. Physical and dental exams are routine and specialists are available should they be needed. We do not breed our gibbons, so all our males have had vasectomies - although we’ve had some surprises in the past because of failed vasectomies!

It is important that we provide enrichment for our busy and intelligent gibbons. It can come in many forms including swinging ropes, hammocks, and climbing structures, which are well suited for these long-armed arboreal apes. They also enjoy PVC tubes filled with special treats, mirrors, bubbles, and for some, a stuffed animal!

Chloe and Blackie
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Our dedicated animal care staff feed the gibbons a varied diet consisting mainly of greens and fresh vegetables. Breakfast can also include canned beans, scrambled eggs, or monkey crunch biscuits for added protein and mixed fruit is served for lunch. In the evening when they are brought indoors, they receive a banana as a “bedtime” snack. They are also fed figs and muscadine grapes that grow on our property. On special occasions, they’ll get a healthy treat, like frozen fruit smoothies, dried fruit, assorted nuts from Nuts.com or a Thanksgiving feast!

It isn't just our Animal Care Staff who provides enrichment and fun things to do for our gibbons. Take a look at Blue and Tong playing!