A Gibbon Birthday Party
Posted at 11:00 am April 29, 2008 by Beth McDonald
On April 4, we celebrated Bodhi’s 2nd birthday. Bodhi is one of four red-cheeked gibbons (formerly known as Gabriella’s crested gibbons) located in Sun Bear Forest at the San Diego Zoo. Bodhi, mom CJ, dad Max, and Aunt Gaby all had a great time at the party! There were boxes filled with hay and other goodies, which were Max’s favorites, along with a three-layer piñata cake.
CJ carried around a party hat with a touch of honey on the inside. She collected the birthday cups, which we had filled with popcorn, while Gaby enjoyed the party-themed treat bags; she held them with her feet so she could pick through the shredded paper with her fingers to find the peanuts.
Birthday boy Bodhi was having a blast swinging from tree to tree, playing with all the party streamers. The celebration was not only enriching for the gibbon family, but for the keepers as well. We loved creating this very special day for them!
Beth McDonald is a keeper at the San Diego Zoo.
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April 29th, 2008 at 11:48 am
It looks like Birthday boy Bodhi had a great time as did his family. Thank you so much, and thank you for the pictures and info on the gibbons. I live in Michigan and I come to your website daily to see and read all about what is happening with you animals.
April 29th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Beth, It looks like a good time was had by all. Thank you and all the keepers for your creativity in keeping all the animals mentality and physically stimulated. I sure this all leads to healthier and happier animals
April 30th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Sounds like a fun and enriching day was had by all. Happy Birthday, Bohdi.
May 4th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Thanks Beth for sharing Bodhi’s birthday celebration with those of use back east. The pictures and write up gave us a true feeling of the Gibbon’s family excitement and the hard work that went into preparing the celebration. Great job!! Happy Belated Birthday to Bodhi
Laura in Ohio
May 4th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Beth,I wish I could have been there with you!I’m stuck in Ohio.It looks super fun!!!I bet you had a blast.Bodhi seemed to have a fun time along with his family and friends.Did you put up the streamers while he was in the cage?That sounds hard.I beeveryone had fun!Thanks for putting this up now I will check all of the stories daily!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 12th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Hi Beth! Looks like you are having so much fun out there with the gibbons! You take such great care of any animal you encounter and the zoo is lucky to have you!