BioPark Alum Becomes a Father

Jan. 7, 2020 - There’s a new baby siamang in Fresno, and the ABQ BioPark has some special connections to the new face.

In 2010, Noah the siamang was hand-raised at the ABQ BioPark and now he’s become a dad to Senya, who was born this October at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. This is a milestone because many animals that are hand-raised by humans do not become successful parents. “They miss all the nuances of behavior when hand raised, so that he sired an offspring is really cool and that he’s being a great dad is even better,” says Lynn Tupa, the BioPark’s Zoo Manager. The BioPark only hand raises animals when their parents are unable to provide the care they need.

Noah left the BioPark in 2010 as a Species Survival Plan (SSP) recommendation. Each animal SSP in Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ facilities makes breeding recommendations and transfers that will advance the survival and health of the species.

Senya’s mother has a connection to the BioPark as well. Her mother Melana (Senya’s grandmother) was born here in 1988.