Highland Farm is a wildlife sanctuary in Mae Sot, Thailand Tak Province near the Burmese border. Highland Farm Gibbon Sanctuary rescues mistreated and/or injured gibbons and other wildlife. Many of these animals come from abusive or neglected environments. Since gibbons are so cute and human-like, they are sought after pets in Thailand. However gibbons make terrible pets. When they start singing at dawn and swinging from the furniture, most people realize they can no longer take care of them. Highland Farm rescues these animals and provides them with a home full of love, care and attention. Highland Farm is open to the public in order to serve as an educational atmosphere where locals and tourists can learn about the threats and issues facing Thailand’s wildlife and environment.
My Mom and I with the director of Highland Farm Pharanee Deters during last year's visit
Highland Farm currently cares for monkeys, bears, birds, fox, and of course gibbons. There are several species of gibbons including Hylobates lar, Hylobates pileatus, Nomascus leucogenys, and Nomascus gabriellae.
A white-cheeked crested gibbon (Nomascus leucogenys) in his enclosure at Highland Farm
A female buff-cheeked crested gibbon (Nomascus gabriellae). In crested gibbons, females are yellow and males are black.
A female white-handed gibbon (Hylobates lar)
Highland Farm is a beautiful oasis in a sea of deforestation in Thailand.
This land was all re-planted by Bill and Pharanee Deters
The guest house
My Mom standing near one of the new enclosures
This is a group of young gibbons in the new gibbon highway. They love it!
One of the beautiful birds
I first visited Highland Farm in 2005. I was in between college and graduate school. I had backpacked in Thailand the previous summer and loved it so I wanted to go back as soon as possible. I pretty much looked up the words “Thailand” and “gibbons” in google and Highland Farm came up. I got in touch with Pharanee the director and made arrangements to come for three months as a volunteer. Of course I loved it and I have been back twice since then.
This is me on my first visit to Highland Farm in 2005. I was responsible for taking care of a baby gibbon named Roger.
My Dad and brother came to visit me during that first trip in 2005.
This is my Dad meeting Carl, a gibbon who was abused before he came to Highland Farm. Carl hated most men but he loved my Dad. The first time he saw my Dad he started squealing and reaching out for him. Roger is also hanging around my Dad's neck in this picture.
This is my brother Evan with baby Roger. Both so young.. Evan was only 16 then!
Volunteers are always needed to help care for the gibbons so if you are interested contact Pharanee highlandfarmape@gmail.com
For more information visit http://www.highland-farm.org/
You can also make a tax deductible donation to Highland Farm by donating to PDXWildlife specifying that the donation is for gibbons.
Hi Julia. You have one of the best looking study species I have ever seen. Especially that little one you took care of a few years ago.
I agree gibbons are beautiful. Pandas aren’t bad looking either 😉
We will have to trade species for a week.
HI Jules! This is a great post. In Thailand you definitely see the gibbons getting exploited. It so great that there is a place for them there. I feel sad I am the only family member who has not been there. 🙁 Maybe next time?
You can always take your family there in the future! 🙂
Hi. I have been trying to contact the Highland farm, but can’t get through – do you happen to have a telephone number? Also, when did you last visit: I would really like to visit, but am afraid they are closed.
Our staff scientist Julia Ruppell has recently been there so we know they’re up and working. She is currently in the field with the gibbons but I forwarded your email to her and hopefully I’ll hear back in a day or so.
Hi It is definitely still open. Have you tried emailing Pharanee? highlandfarmape@gmail.com
It normally takes her a few days to reply. If you can’t reach her you can still stop by. It is open to the public.