Gibbons: The Forgotten Apes in Peril

Watch Gibbons: The Forgotten Apes in Peril

  • NR
  • 2009
  • 50 min

Gibbons: The Forgotten Apes in Peril is a documentary that takes us on a journey across the jungles of Southeast Asia in search of the world's most endangered apes. The film examines the plight of these fascinating and intelligent creatures that are on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss, poaching, and the illegal wildlife trade.

The documentary is narrated by renowned primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall, who introduces us to the gibbons, a species that is often overlooked in the conservation world. Through her narration, we learn about the unique characteristics of the Gibbons, such as their incredible vocal range and their lifelong monogamous mating pairs.

The film features breathtaking footage shot in the wild, showcasing the gibbons in their natural habitat swinging from tree to tree, playing, and communicating with each other. We also see the heartbreaking scenes of gibbons being kept in captivity or caged in the black market trade, and the efforts of rescue activists to save them.

The audience is introduced to a team of dedicated conservationists who work tirelessly to protect the gibbons from extinction. We follow them as they journey deep into the jungle, searching for the elusive apes to monitor their populations and collect vital data to inform conservation strategies.

One of the key takeaways from the documentary is the importance of habitat conservation. The film shows how deforestation and land clearance for agriculture, mining, and human settlements are harming the gibbons, causing them to lose their homes and food sources. We see how conservationists are working to restore the dwindling rainforest by planting native species of trees and creating wildlife corridors to help connect isolated populations of gibbons.

The documentary also sheds light on the illegal wildlife trade and the gruesome realities of what happens to gibbons who fall into the hands of wildlife traders. We see firsthand how gibbons are captured from the wild, often killing their entire family, before being transported in inhumane conditions to be sold as pets, food, or for use in Chinese medicine.

The conservation team meets with villagers and local communities, educating them on the importance of protecting the gibbons and their habitat. We see how they are working to change the attitudes and behaviors of the people who live alongside the gibbons, often in poverty, so that they can become stewards of the forest and work towards sustainable development that benefits both humans and wildlife.

Overall, Gibbons: The Forgotten Apes in Peril is a powerful and emotional documentary that highlights the incredible biodiversity of Southeast Asia and the urgent need to protect it. The film is an important call to action for viewers to become more aware of the challenges facing the world's endangered species and the critical role that we all play in their conservation.

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Description
  • Release Date
    2009
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    50 min