Ooh, Ooh the funky gibbon in Fuengirola

Gibbons are fantastic primates and TV actor, naturalist and conservationist Bill Oddie might himself applaud the action of Bioparc Fuengirola here on the Costa del Sol in caring for three of the golden cheeked variety to help in the reproduction and continuance of this endangered species.

Those with long memories might recall that Bill in his early career, with 2 fellow comedians, had a chart hit with the infectious ‘Do the Funky Gibbon’ as part of the 1970s hit show The Goodies. It was re-released in 2010 to support the Save the Gibbon appeal.

The only golden-cheeked gibbon successfully bred in Spain is ‘Ares’, born in the Fuengirola Zoo in 2005. As the name suggests, these delightful lesser apes with their characteristic long arms for swinging through the tops of tall trees have golden cheeks; males are black in colour, though born gold, and females pale.

Gibbons, typically found in the tropical forests of South-East Asia, are threatened by the loss of their natural habitats and their numbers depleted as they are hunted for food, for use in traditional medicines, as tourism attractions and for the pet trade. In the wild, family groups sing at sunrise to communicate with other gibbons and the male and female of the species have separate parts within this unique song.

Bioparc Fuengirola is close to CLC World's resorts here on the Costa del Sol and is home to a collection of amazing wild animals in sympathetically created environments and is set within a residential area of Fuengirola, a few minutes’ walk from the train and bus stations. 

Entrance price is €17.50 for adults and €12.10 for pensioners, disabled people and children aged 3 to 9, with large family and group discounts available.

Visit www.bioparcfuengirola.es for more information, special events and offers.

Picture credit: Sancassania