Monday, December 03, 2007

Gibbon learns parenting, breastfeeding from humans

Look, learn works for Sue the gibbon:
Since the birth of Intan, a baby siamang gibbon, staff at the Christchurch wildlife centre are taking a unique approach to teaching new mother Sue how to care for her gibbon.

The use of video technology, cue cards, and even real life demonstrations of how to breastfeed are being used to teach Sue correct parenting.

Breast-feeding patrons visiting the reserve have also been enlisted to help give Sue the right idea.

She was fascinated by it, said Monique Van Der Linden, head of Willowbank's zoo section.

Monkeys were able to "learn from people", she said.

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