Heartbreaking images of baby gibbons chained up in tiny cages leave BBC viewers distressed as Primates shines a light on monkeys being sold as pets via social media (8 Pics)

BBC viewers were shown heartbreaking images of gibbons in tiny cages on last night's episode of Primates. 

The six-part wildlife documentary series shone a light on the issue of wild gibbons and other monkeys being kept in captivity and sold as pets. 

The segment focused on the situation in Malaysia, where the capture of infant gibbons is decimating the wild population. 

BBC viewers were shown heartbreaking images of gibbons in tiny cages on last night's episode of Primates. Pictured, an example of the conditions facing baby gibbons in the pet trade

The six-part wildlife documentary series shone a light on the issue of wild gibbons and other monkeys being kept in captivity and sold as pets, as seen above

The distressing images struck a chord with viewers, who praised the BBC for not shying away from the topic, pictured

It is estimated that for every baby gibbon that is taken, 10 die.

Many gibbons are traded via social media and grabs shown by the BBC revealed how they are marketed through dedicated groups. 

The distressing images struck a chord with viewers, who praised the BBC for not shying away from the topic. 

One tweeted: 'Really impressed with #Primates not shying away from showing some of the conservation threats facing primates. Found the final segment on the effects of the primate pet trade particularly impressive and an important exposure of why #primatesarenotpets.'

The segment focused on the situation in Malaysia, where the capture of infant gibbons is decimating the wild population. Pictured, a gibbon at a rehabilitation centre

Cameras heard from conservationist Mariani 'Bam' Ramli, of the founder of Gibbon Protection Society Malaysia, which works to rescue and rehabilitate gibbons sold as pets, as well as prosecute offenders. Pictured, Bam with gibbons and BBC crew

Another posted: 'So happy #Primates is taking the time to raise awareness of the primate pet trade. Primates are NOT in any sense of the word, pets. Its a hugely damaging trade to not just the individual, but also to the species as a whole.'

A third wrote: 'I can't explain how happy it makes me that the issue of pet trade through social media is being highlighted. Thank you @BBCEarth for showing people how dangerous just simply liking a photo or video of facebook can be. #Primates.' 

Cameras heard from conservationist Mariani 'Bam' Ramli, of the founder of Gibbon Protection Society Malaysia, which works to rescue and rehabilitate gibbons sold as pets, as well as prosecute offenders. 

Many gibbons are traded via social media and grabs shown by the BBC revealed how they are marketed through dedicated groups, pictured

Infant gibbons form a close bond with their primary carer, whether that is their parent or a human, which makes them vulnerable. 

However by the time the gibbon is a year old it is increasingly independent and can become destructive if kept indoors without enough stimulation and space. 

As a result these gibbons are often abandoned and left to fend for themselves, despite having no experience of living in the wild. 

'Bam' and her team work to reintroduce the gibbons to the wild.  

Viewers praised the BBC for raising awareness of the issue in last night's episode