The Gibbon is the smallest of the great apes standing three feet high, and weighing under fourteen pounds. It is considered the lowest in intelligence.

On the ground, the lithe, slender gibbon appears awkward and out of place. It moves along with difficulty, holding its long arms over its head and hurrying forward to keep its balance. But it is well named Hylobates or "tree-walker." Once in the trees, it proceeds with facile rhythm and grace as it speeds through the forest, swinging from branch to branch. It can walk erect along a horizontal limb, gripping it with the great toes. No other ape or monkey can travel through the trees with the speed of the gibbon.