Charity 'heartbroken' after death of 'beloved' ape

Xhabu was born with stunted growth and he was cross-eyed

A primate rescue centre has said it is "utterly heartbroken" in a tribute to a "beloved" ape which has died aged 28.

Xhabu was one of the first animals to be saved by Monkey Haven in Newport on the Isle of Wight 19 years ago.

"Xhabu was more than just an animal in our care - he was family," said Don Walser, the charity's founder, who expressed how much he would be missed.

The gibbon bravely battled to recover from a stroke, but the strain on his body finally became too much, the centre said in a social media tribute.

The gibbon was recovering after he suffered a stroke in 2023

Xhabu was an endangered Siamang, native to the forests of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

He was rehomed to the Isle of Wight with his nephew Bog in 2006 and the pair formed an unexpected friendship with two Müller's gibbons - mother and daughter duo, Bono and Kajan - who lived in a home next door.

The centre referred to this as a remarkable achievement, as Siamangs and Müller's gibbons come from different parts of South East Asia and would never encounter each other in the wild.

It added that his gibbon family has been "feeling his loss deeply".

The resilient ape was born with disabilities, including stunted growth and being cross-eyed and the sanctuary said he suffered a stroke in 2023.

It called him "a true icon" and "deeply loved by our animal carers, visitors, and fans around the world".

"His presence, his powerful call, and his gentle spirit brought joy to so many. He had a beautiful life with us, surrounded by those who adored him, and we feel incredibly privileged and proud to have been part of his journey," the centre said.

Xhabu and his nephew Bog formed an unexpected friendship with mother and daughter duo, Bono and Kajan

"Xhabu taught us that every life matters, every story is worth telling, and every act of kindness counts," said Terri Cook, animal manager at Monkey Haven.

"We will honour his memory by continuing to give animals a second chance and a safe, loving home."