ZooTampa welcomes a baby Siamang as officials say 'they are in trouble'

New baby Siamang at ZooTampa

FOX 13 photojournalist Barry Wong takes us to ZooTampa and shows us a new addition at the zoo.

TAMPA, Fla. - Ketiga, a three-month-old baby Siamang at ZooTampa, fills a critical need for the species.

Ketiga being nursed by its mother, Hutan.

"They live in family groups, which is why we're really excited about the birth of this baby to complete our family of four," ZooTampa Associate Curator of Primates Devon Kopp said.

About Ketiga

The backstory:

The baby was born in late October, joining father Sensei, mother Hutan and sister Kazuki.

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The gender is still unknown, but ZooTampa’s staff is leaning toward it being a girl.

Ketiga with its family.

Why Ketiga’s birth is a big deal

Siamangs are an endangered species of gibbon from Southeast Asia.

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"They're not critically endangered yet, but they are in trouble, mostly due to habitat, deforestation and fragmentation of their habitat," Kopp said. "Anytime a Siamang is born at an AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) zoo is a really big deal. It’s a really big win for the population."

Ketiga swinging.

About Siamangs family unit

Dig deeper:

The apes are a fan favorite because of their active swinging and loud chatter at ZooTampa.

Ketiga is still mostly attached to its Mom, slowly exploring and standing on her own.

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In time, Sensei will look over the baby. Siamangs are monogamous and co-parent their children, according to zoo officials.

Ketiga being nursed by its mother, Hutan.

These early stages are also important for Kazuki, who will get to observe and learn how to raise a baby.

"This is one of the best stages, to see a baby Siamang. To see it start to hit certain milestones that we are tracking is really exciting," Kopp said. "To start building the relationship with an individual is one of the best parts of our job, so we're really happy that they're here."

The family eats a mix of fruits and vegetables. Yes, bananas are a favorite.

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Ketiga will also eventually learn the family call, a song that can be heard two miles away.

"It never gets old watching them explore. I love watching them on habitat," Kopp said. "It's so fun to watch them swing around and just watch their family dynamics too. (It) is really rewarding and fun to watch."

For more information about Siamang’s, click here.