Gibbons: The Invisible Apes : 9781772440072

Meet the "invisible apes" ...

The first thing you should know about gibbons is that they are not monkeys! They are apes, just like chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans, and like these larger--and much better known--"great apes," gibbons are counted among humanity's closest living relatives on the evolutionary tree. In fact, the genetic codes of human beings and gibbons are 95 percent alike.

But gibbons have long been invisible in the West. In this first-of-its-kind book, noted author John Steckley sets out to remedy that situation. As you'll discover, gibbons are extraordinary brachiators--their ability to swing rapidly through the forest from tree to tree would put even Spider-Man to shame--as well as beautiful singers and doting parents.

Steckley introduces us to the diverse and enchanting group of gibbons he himself has met personally, including the fun-loving and impish Penelope, as well as gibbons elsewhere who have played prominent roles in gibbon (and human) affairs. By the time you've finished Gibbons: The Invisible Apes, the "small apes" (as Steckley calls them) will never be invisible to you again.