Membership Remembering Skittles
One of the first things people think of when they think about the Cincinnati Zoo is the unforgettable sound of gibbon calls echoing through the Zoo each morning. For many years, guests and staff were greeted by the songs of two buff-cheeked gibbon sisters, Skittles and M&M, as they brachiated across Gibbon Island. While it is hard to imagine the zoo without them, their legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew them.
Skittles and M&M shared an incredibly close bond and were often found cuddled together. Like most sisters, they had disagreements, but they always found their way back to each other. That bond was put to the test when the Cincinnati Zoo was asked to provide a home for Kip, a one-year-old northern white-cheeked gibbon in need of someone to care for him. Although introducing him to two sisters may have seemed like an unusual idea, the connection was immediate. Together, Skittles and M&M cared for Kip, becoming the best moms he could have asked for. After M&M passed away a few years ago, Skittles took on the role of caring for Kip full-time, continuing to provide him with love and comfort.
Skittles wasn’t just special to her family; she also had a remarkable bond with her keepers. Whenever they were nearby, she would eagerly swing over to greet them. She loved lounging in her hammocks and enjoying her favorite snacks, often accompanied by her unforgettable food grumble that let everyone know just how much she was enjoying every bite.
Skittles was an extraordinary ambassador for her species and an unforgettable part of the Cincinnati Zoo. Her presence, personality, and morning calls brought joy to countless guests. She will be deeply missed, but the memories she created and the lives she touched will remain part of the zoo for years to come.
