Watch a Gibbon Lose Its Mind After Spotting a Hedgehog Nearby

Meet the gibbon, a likely candidate for the title of zany primate underdog. With their extended arms best suited for “brachiation”, also known as swinging through trees, they cut quite a comical outline. Their gymnastic skills are no laughing matter, though, as they’ve outright mastered this clever method of transportation. Other monkeys like the siamang and spider monkey can only try to compete!

You Won’t Believe It Until You See It

Slightly more of a common sight is the hedgehog, a funny little underbrush critter with a mean defense. Although possibly seen and talked about often, this oddball animal could be one of the oldest mammals on Earth. Who could have known?

More than capable of being fascinating, if not hilarious, on their own, what might happen if these two ran into each other? In the below video, we can see the results of a meetup like this – it’s possibly not what you’d expect! Make sure to read on to find out more about these unusual fellows and what they might be up to behind the scenes.

What Are Hedgehog Quills?

The quills, or spines, of a hedgehog, are definitely its most defining feature. These natural protectors are actually specially adapted hairs. Depending on its size, a single hedgehog can have up to several thousand quills.

These quills are hollow and stiff, with a pointed tip and a complex structure that makes them both flexible and durable. Unlike porcupines, hedgehogs cannot easily shed their quills. When threatened, a hedgehog will roll into a ball, presenting the quills as a barrier against predators. The quills are not poisonous or barbed, but their sharp tips can deliver a painful reminder to any attacker that gets too close.

In case you were wondering, the hedgehog is as smart as it is tough! Relatively speaking, it’s probably fair to compare their intelligence to that of a hamster. Seeing that both of these small mammals are considered fun, unconventional pets, the relation makes sense.

Where Do Gibbons Live?

If you’ve never seen a gibbon up close before, you might wonder where these stringy creatures call home. Although possibly often seen in zoos, their true place is in the wild rainforests of southern Asia and the surrounding areas. Unfortunately, many species of this clever primate are endangered, largely due to habitat destruction. Recent conservation efforts have been put into place, though, to save these arboreal wonders from extinction.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Vassil - Public Domain