Senya, a 6-year-old siamang, is now swinging around the Asian Forest Sanctuary at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. She arrived in Tacoma on a breeding recommendation through the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP), which is a cooperative program that helps sustain healthy, genetically diverse animal populations.

Senya joins the zoo’s resident siamang, 8-year-old Remy. This marks the zoo’s first primate breeding recommendation in more than 20 years.

“This is an exciting milestone for both the zoo and the siamang species,” said Telena Welsh, Curator of the Asian Forest Sanctuary. “We’re thrilled to introduce her to our guests and to continue to watch Remy and Senya interact and thrive together.”

Remy recently lost his longtime companion, Dudlee, in September. Since then, he’s been spending time independently, and interacting with other species that share his habitat, including Baby Bean the lowland anoa and the tapirs, both on and off exhibit.

Senya is already settling in and exploring her new home with curiosity.

“In siamang society, females often take the lead, so it’s no surprise that she’s quickly showing her spirited personality,” said Welsh.

Siamangs are the largest species of gibbon, found high in the treetops of Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. They are endangered due to rapid rainforest loss caused by logging and agricultural expansion, much of it for palm oil production. You can help protect siamangs and their wild habitats by choosing products made with sustainable palm oil and encouraging companies to use responsibly sourced ingredients.