A major new attraction has opened at Fota Wildlife Park, giving five endangered Siamang gibbons a larger, more natural habitat while improving the experience for visitors. The development highlights the role of the Office of Public Works (OPW) in supporting conservation, animal welfare and sustainable infrastructure in Ireland.
Fota Wildlife Park opens new Siamang Gibbon House
Minister of State Kevin “Boxer” Moran TD officially opened the new Siamang Gibbon House at Fota Wildlife Park on 21 September 2026. The modern facility was developed with support from the OPW and is designed around the needs of the gibbon family living at the Cork wildlife park.
The indoor accommodation is four times larger than the previous house and includes climbing and swinging structures that encourage natural movement. The gibbons can also choose when to move between the indoor area and a spacious island habitat.
Designed for animal welfare and expert care
One of the facility’s distinctive features is a series of heated walls known as “cuddle walls”. These allow the animals to select their preferred level of warmth and location within the house. The flexible layout also enables animal care staff to separate individual gibbons for training, veterinary examinations and health checks when required.
Fota Wildlife Park has housed Siamang gibbons since it opened in 1983 and participates in an international breeding programme for the species. The Siamang is the largest gibbon species and is classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Wild populations have declined significantly because of forest clearance in Sumatra, Malaysia and Thailand, as well as the illegal capture of infants for the pet trade. Modern zoological habitats therefore have an important role in education, managed breeding and public awareness.
Read more: Ireland public sector and conservation news
Improved visitor experience at Fota Wildlife Park
The new house includes sheltered viewing areas and several vantage points, allowing visitors to watch the gibbons’ acrobatic movements and distinctive vocal duetting in different weather conditions.
Fota Wildlife Park said the project demonstrates how high-quality animal welfare and visitor education can work together. By observing the animals in an enriched environment, visitors can gain a better understanding of their behaviour and the conservation challenges facing the species.
OPW investment supports sustainable infrastructure
The Siamang Gibbon House forms part of a wider programme of capital projects supported by the OPW. These works include a wastewater treatment plant, a dung stead and composting facility, and energy-efficient heating systems for primate houses.
Additional investment has supported thermal upgrades at the Giraffe House and food preparation facilities. In 2024, Fota Wildlife Park also installed 1,112 square metres of photovoltaic panels as part of its energy-efficiency programme. Delivery of the capital works was temporarily affected by the park’s 10-week closure linked to avian influenza in 2025, but the projects have now been completed.
Explore more: Long-tail Ireland travel and family attraction guides
When can visitors see the gibbons?
The new Siamang Gibbon House is open to the public. Fota Wildlife Park opens daily at 9.30am, with further visitor information available from the park’s official website.
Key facts about the new habitat
- Five Siamang gibbons are accommodated in the new facility.
- The indoor house is four times larger than the previous accommodation.
- The habitat includes heated “cuddle walls” and access to an island area.
- Sheltered viewing areas are available for visitors.
- The project was supported by the Office of Public Works.
Fota Wildlife Park’s new Siamang Gibbon House is more than a visitor attraction: it is an investment in conservation, animal welfare and environmental sustainability. With OPW support and specialist care, the facility provides a stronger home for an endangered species while helping the public connect with Ireland’s wider role in international wildlife conservation.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
