LABC Presents: Tuning Into Gibbons with Gabriella Skollar

ABOUT THE PRESENTATION: Gibbons are small arboreal apes that mark their territory by vocalizing (singing) when traveling within the borders of where they live. The gibbon song, primarily performed as a coordinated duet between mated pairs, has multiple forms and functions and can serve as a territorial advertisement, strengthen the mated pair's bond, and express cohesion and bonding. 

Gabriella Skollar will share with The LABC her experiences as the Director of the Gibbon Conservation Center in Santa Clarita, CA, as well as her work studying gibbon vocalization for her PhD at UCLA. Through her studies, she aims to support gibbon conservation efforts and advance their care, as gibbons are among the most threatened primate species globally. Gabriella plans to dedicate her life to protecting and studying gibbons, as well as educating others about these fascinating primates.

ABOUT THE GIBBON CONSERVATION CENTER: The Gibbon Conservation Center (GCC) in Santa Clarita currently houses 40 gibbons encompassing 5 of the 20 different extant species, and is an internationally recognized organization in the field of gibbon research and conservation. The GCC's mission is to promote the conservation, study, and care of gibbons through public education and habitat preservation. They encourage noninvasive behavioral studies to increase global knowledge and understanding of captive and wild gibbons, and they support ongoing field conservation projects in their countries of origin. They also advise zoos and rescue centers to improve captive gibbons' lives.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Gabriella Skollar first became involved with gibbons while pursuing a Masters in Biology from the University of Szeged in Hungary. Her university adviser asked her to record Kaszat, a northern white-cheeked gibbon in the Szeged Zoo, and after many hours of early morning recording and observation, it became her passion to study gibbon vocalization. 

She then moved to the US in 2005 to work as a volunteer caregiver and researcher at the GCC, and in 2007, she became a full-time Primate Caregiver and Research Assistant. In November 2011, after the passing of Alan Mootnick, the Founder of the GCC, Gabriella became responsible for the day-to-day care and health of the gibbons. In January 2014, Gabriella became the Director of the GCC. 

Gabriella also participates in the gibbon zoological, conservation, and scientific communities worldwide. As a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Primate Specialist Group, she represents the SSA within the Zoo community. She works to improve links between in-situ and ex-situ conservation, and is also a husbandry advisor for the Gibbon Species Survival Plan in the US and a member of the gibbon hand-rearing and surrogate team.

Gabriella gives educational lectures and tours at the GCC, focusing on gibbon conservation and behavior, and she has presented at international conferences on gibbon husbandry, cognition, and social behavior. 

ABOUT THE CLUB: Founded in 1925, the Los Angeles Breakfast Club still thrives with food, friendship, and fun. Our meetings are held in our clubhouse, Friendship Auditorium, located at 3201 Riverside Drive, near the corner of Los Feliz Boulevard, in Griffith Park. Best described as a variety show, attendees enjoy a catered breakfast, silly songs, club traditions, and an interesting presentation from a guest speaker.

TICKETS: Sales on labreakfastclub.com close 48 hours before breakfast. Non-members are $25 and Members receive a 25% discount when logged into their Membership Portal.

Please arrive between 6:45 - 7:00 AM sharp! Doors close at 7:15 AM. Your admission includes a buffet breakfast, enjoyment of our 98-year-old club traditions, plus a special presentation from our Speaker of the Week!

For our ticket refund and exchange policy, please click here.

Note: Membership discounts are a benefit for members current with their dues. If you would like to apply to become a member, click here for more information.

HEALTH & SAFETY: Surgical disposable face masks or medical-grade masks (i.e., KN95, KF94, N95) are strongly recommended when not eating or drinking, especially during the cold and flu season, and will be provided on request.