Zookeepers Solve Mystery of Female Monkey’s Pregnancy While Alone in Her Cage
In a story that sounds more like a plot twist from a nature documentary than real life, zookeepers in a Japanese zoo were left stunned after discovering that a female gibbon, who had been living alone in her enclosure for years, was somehow pregnant. The mystery sent shockwaves through the zoo staff, sparking curiosity, confusion, and a full-blown investigation into how an isolated monkey could conceive a baby without any contact with a male.
The gibbon in question, a white-handed gibbon named Momo, had been living in solitude at the Kujukushima Zoo and Botanical Garden in Nagasaki. Known for her quiet demeanor and strong sense of territory, Momo had shown no signs of distress or interaction with other animals—because, quite simply, she wasn’t supposed to have any.
So when she gave birth to a healthy baby, zookeepers were bewildered. With no male gibbon in her enclosure and no record of any physical interaction with one, the pregnancy seemed like an impossible feat. Was it a case of immaculate conception? A prank? A hidden camera show?
Of course, science had to step in. The zoo launched an investigation, including DNA testing of the baby and all potential male gibbons on the premises. The results revealed the father to be a male named Itoh, housed in a neighboring enclosure. But the two had never been in the same space—at least, not physically.
That’s when the zookeepers made a shocking discovery. The enclosures were separated by steel bars, and behind them was a small hole, barely two centimeters wide, located in a shared partition wall. It turns out that this tiny opening was enough for the two monkeys to, well, get intimate.
“It was a one-in-a-million chance,” said one of the zookeepers, shaking his head in disbelief. “We never imagined mating could occur through such a small space. It just didn’t seem physically possible.” And yet, nature found a way.
Momo, now a mother, has been thriving. She’s been attentive and protective of her baby, and zoo visitors are thrilled to catch a glimpse of the rare and unexpected addition to the gibbon family. As for Itoh, he’s become something of a local celebrity—the father who never technically set foot in the nursery.
The zoo has since reviewed its enclosure designs and made adjustments to prevent similar incidents in the future. But the story of Momo and Itoh has already captured global attention, highlighting not just the wonders of animal behavior, but the incredible resilience and creativity of nature.
In a world full of surprises, this bizarre and heartwarming tale reminds us that life always finds a way—even through a tiny hole in the wall.
