Island to breed endangered silvery gibbon

The Isle of Man is taking part in a new breeding programme in a bid to help save endangered silvery gibbons. 

Curraghs Wildlife Park is opening its doors to two gibbons in the hope they will mate and contribute to the survival of the species. 

A male from the United States will be matched with a female at a zoo in Kent before being transported to their new home in Ballaugh. 

The animals are native to the Indonesian island of Java but the population is being threatened by habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade.

The park will be closed on Friday whilst a new home is built - it's hoped the high-profile animals will be here by summer next year.