Fota Wildlife Park has opened a new Siamang Gibbon House, creating a larger, more adaptable habitat for its five-member gibbon family while giving visitors improved opportunities to observe these endangered primates. The project was supported by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and officially opened by Minister of State Kevin “Boxer” Moran TD on 21 September 2026.
Fota Wildlife Park unveils expanded Siamang Gibbon House
The new facility replaces the gibbons’ former indoor accommodation with an environment four times larger. It includes a spacious indoor area, natural climbing and swinging structures, and access to a large island habitat whenever the animals choose.
Heated walls, described as “cuddle walls”, allow the Siamang family to select their preferred temperature and location. The flexible layout also enables animal-care staff to separate individual gibbons when training, veterinary checks or other welfare procedures are required.
- Accommodation four times larger than the previous house
- Access to an outdoor island habitat
- Heated walls supporting choice and comfort
- Design features encouraging climbing and swinging
- Improved facilities for training and health checks
Better viewing for visitors
Sheltered viewing areas and several observation points allow visitors to watch the gibbons in different weather conditions. The design is intended to highlight their acrobatic movements and distinctive vocal duetting while helping the public understand their natural behaviour.
Speaking at the opening, Minister Moran said the development provides a more spacious environment for the animals and strengthens the continuing partnership between Fota Wildlife Park and the OPW. He also linked the investment to conservation, education, animal care and sustainable infrastructure.
Endangered species at the centre of conservation work
The Siamang is the largest of the gibbon species and is classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Its wild population has declined substantially over recent decades as forests in Sumatra, Malaysia and Thailand have been cleared and young animals have been taken for the illegal pet trade.
Fota Wildlife Park has housed Siamang gibbons since opening in 1983 and participates in an international breeding programme. The new habitat is designed to support welfare standards while contributing to wider species conservation efforts.
Fota Wildlife Park Chairman Simon Coveney described the project as part of a wider capital investment programme supported by the Government of Ireland and the OPW. Park Director Aileen Tennant said enriched accommodation and positive visitor experiences can work together by allowing animals to express natural behaviours and helping guests appreciate the species.
OPW-backed sustainability projects at Fota
The gibbon house forms part of broader OPW-supported improvements at the park. These include a modern wastewater treatment plant, a dung stead and composting facility, and energy-efficient heating for primate houses.
Other initiatives include thermal upgrades to the Giraffe House and food-preparation facilities, alongside 1,112 square metres of photovoltaic panels installed in 2024. Although delivery was briefly paused during the park’s 10-week avian influenza-related closure in 2025, the projects have now been completed.
Visiting the new habitat
The Siamang Gibbon House is open to the public. Fota Wildlife Park opens daily from 9.30am, with further visitor information available at fotawildlife.ie.
Key takeaway: The new Fota Wildlife Park Siamang Gibbon House combines improved animal welfare, conservation education and sustainable investment, offering a stronger home for the gibbon family and a richer experience for visitors.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
