ESKILSTUNA, Sweden, June 25 (UPI) -- The head of the Parken Zoo in the Swedish city of Eskilstuna says a nearly 40-year-old gibbon gave birth to a healthy baby amid concerns from keepers.
Parken Zoo head Helena Olsson said while zookeepers have been concerned Jane the Gibbon was ill, she surprised everyone by giving birth to a healthy baby last week, the Swedish news agency TT reported Thursday.
"Jane is so incredibly old ... that she's now given birth to a baby is totally improbable. We are all extremely surprised," Olsson said of the gibbon, which appeared lethargic prior to the birth.
"It's like an old lady between 75- and 80-years-old having a child," she said.
TT said most gibbons in captivity die before turning 30, making Jane's first birth in 15 years a rare feat for the species.
"The baby is doing really well, she's sucking as she should be and Jane is a very capable mother," Olsson said.
