Baby siamang arrives safely in Christchurch

A baby siamang was born at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch on Sunday (supplied)
A baby siamang was born at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch on Sunday (supplied)

A little bundle of joy has arrived at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch - a bright spot in the midst of the ongoing earthquakes.

The yet-to-be named baby siamang gibbon was born on Sunday.

As a precaution after the quakes, special mats were placed on the floor inside the siamangs' den in anticipation of the birth.

Both the baby and mother are doing well, according to a Willowbank spokesperson.

Its name will be announced later - for now its main task is getting used to the shaky ground.

Only 30 siamang gibbons are in captivity in Australasia. Another breeding couple at Auckland Zoo are also expected to boost numbers in the region.

The gibbons are native to the forests of Malaysia, Thailand and Sumatra.

Newshub.