The iconic call of the Siamang is once again ringing out across Dubbo after duo Kasarna and Kasem made their public debut at Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

Kasem, aged six, arrived in Dubbo in October from Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch New Zealand and passed his 30-day quarantine with flying colours.

He has now been officially introduced to six-year-old female Kasarna, with the pair hitting it off instantly in their night house – but it was not all smooth sailing.

“When it came to the introductions we were a bit nervous, but prepared for anything, and so we were all so relieved and happy when that happened so beautifully,” Keeper Grace Humphery said.
“We opened the slide to let them out onto the islands but when Kasem saw an enormous body of water for the first time in his life, he did not want to cross.

“It took almost two weeks until Kasem plucked up the courage to venture onto the island, with his beautiful partner Kasarna showing him how to cross the ropes.”

Kasem was born to parents Sue and Bujang in March 2019, but has lived on his own since reaching maturity. Kasarna was born to parents Tunku and Cian at the National Zoo and Aquarium in Canberra in April 2019.

In the wild, young Siamangs spend some time alone before finding a mate, and while there are no immediate plans for the pair to breed, it is hoped the islands could one day be home to a little Siamang family.

Siamangs have the loudest call of any gibbon species, with bonded pairs performing unique and elaborate duets.

“Most Dubbo locals know the call of the Siamang. It’s completely iconic not just to the Zoo but to the town,” Grace said. “It’s very emotional for all of us to hear the call back on the islands. It’s a very special sound.

“These two are still finding their sound, so it's really exciting to hear a few changes as they create their own sound.”

Native to Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, Siamangs are endangered in the wild, with numbers predicted to halve before 2050. Their main threats are habitat degradation, fragmentation and loss, and hunting for the pet trade. The leading causes of deforestation include palm oil and illegal mining.

Guests can make a difference for wild Siamangs by using the Palm Oil Scan app to support brands that use 100% Certified Sustainable Palm Oil or by buying snacks or gifts from the Zoo’s cafes or retail outlets.

“It means our guests can have a guilt free snack, knowing that the money that you spend here goes straight back into helping wildlife,” Grace said.

The Zoo also supports They’re Calling on You, a campaign encouraging the recycling of old mobile phones to reduce demand for rare minerals.

Taronga is not for profit. Every dollar you spend has the Power to Protect. Whether you visit, stay overnight, donate, become a Zoo Friend or Zoo Parent, book an unforgettable behind-the-scenes experience, or buy a gift for a loved one; every dollar helps save wildlife like Siamangs.