Shelby is a 32-year-old Javan gibbon (a small, highly intelligent ape) living at the Gibbon Conservation Center with his mate, Khusus and their two offspring, Oula and Winston. Easily distinguished from the rest of his family by his long slender body and intense eyes, Shelby is one handsome gibbon. ShelbyKhusus, Winston and ShelbyHe is often seen huddled together with his family in the morning sun and playing with the kids.Shelby with his daughter, OulaShelby is holding his baby daughter, Oula. Shelby is known as an amazing father that will even carry around the little ones when their mother needs a break. Once when Oula dropped her apple and began to cry, Shelby gave her his own piece. Shelby has slowed down noticeably in the last couple months and is showing signs of pain. After an initial veterinary workup, Shelby was diagnosed with high blood sugar, which we have been able to stabilize with medication and a strict diet.Shelby's diet includes a lot of fresh and steamed vegetables, beans, hard boiled eggs, soft tofu and primate biscuits. However, his medical issues continued and after further diagnostics, we discovered that Shelby has a fractured femoral head and severe arthritis in his right hip. He also has light-to-moderate arthritis in his left hip and left shoulder. The condition of the right hip requires an immediate surgery that will lower the pain in that joint, providing him much relief. Hopefully, this surgery will help us understand the underlying causes of Shelby’s problems. His hip surgery is scheduled for this Friday. It will be the first step in his treatment plan, but his road to recovery will be long and will likely require further diagnostics, surgical and medical care. Shelby in our recovery room. We are raising funds to help cover the expenses of this surgery and continuing medical care. If the surgery is unsuccessful or he is experiencing severe pain, we will adjust our plans to ensure he is comfortable and his quality of life is maintained. His medical condition is complex and we are prepared to handle any new developments. Any remaining donations will go the Gibbon Conservation Center’s Medical Fund to cover the medical expenses and care of our other gibbons.
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