The monkey family—with Mom Yala, Dad Nelson, and teenager Saburo—is thrilled with their new home, which meets all the criteria for modern animal care. Building the enclosure was a major challenge for the contractors, most of whom are from the region: “You can’t exactly ask the monkeys for their opinion, so the keepers and construction companies have to work closely together to meet all the requirements of an animal enclosure!” explains civil engineer Robert Lichtenegger. “The new building is also a win for our guests, because now the monkeys can even be seen when they retreat inside,” says Tierwelt director Doris Wolkner-Steinberger. Large windows from Kapo offer great views into the monkey enclosure, and give the monkeys a view of curious visitors.

What makes siamangs interesting to us humans are the traits they share with us but not with other great apes: they live in monogamous family groups, and they move about on the ground on two legs. Siamangs are also true acrobats, moving through the branches rapidly and with dreamlike precision while hanging from their arms. In addition, striking parallels to human musicality are evident: they are famous for their songs and are considered the most outstanding singers among apes. In the mornings and evenings, their impressive songs—amplified by the animals’ throat sacs—resound through the forest. Deeply impressed by the apes’ singing, Fritz Kristoferitsch and his family from Edlsee immediately sponsored the animals.