MEET THE MONKEY match makers!
New Idea|March 27, 2023
HOLLY AND JENNA LOVE PLAYING CUPID FOR ENDANGERED SPECIES
Megan Rowe
MEET THE MONKEY match makers!

Holly Thompson watches on proudly as her latest love match canoodles the bushes at Perth Zoo.

The tiny apes are just one of the countless couples Holly and her team have introduced in their bid to boost the population of endangered animals and save them from extinction.

Since stepping into the role of global coordinator for the critically endangered gibbons species more than 15 years ago, Holly has achieved a 100 per cent matchmaking success rate!

Holly says the process of getting them together isn’t too far removed from the human dating experience.

“There have been some pairs that didn’t fully bond, so we just swiped right and started again,” Holly, 40, says. “Some gibbons just swing past each other while others embrace.

“I’ve witnessed some absolutely beautiful moments where most of those pairs go on to have babies, while others retire together and live out their golden years.”

This story is from the March 27, 2023 edition of New Idea.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the March 27, 2023 edition of New Idea.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.