Missing Naples Zoo gibbon may still be alive

NAPLES, Fla. — A visually impaired gibbon that mysteriously disappeared from the Naples Zoo Monday and was thought to be dead might still be alive.

Officials believed Sumba may have drowned in the water inside its habitat. However, at least two people said they heard or saw her on a trail at the Gordon River Greenway Park.

One man called the sheriff’s office to report seeing a dark animal scurry into the woods on the trail.

Ciara Hebel thought she heard Sumba while walking in the preserve.

“I just heard a screeching noise and it wasn’t like a bird or squirrel or anything, so I think it was the monkey,” she said.

Jack Mulvena, president and CEO of Naples Zoo, said the gibbon’s call is unmistakable.

“Typically, the animal will be up in the tree and has a distinct call,” he said. “You would not be able to confuse the call.”

Zoo officials will continue to search the zoo and the surrounding areas.