Rare primate twins being co-parented at zoo

Exciting news has come from Newquay Zoo, where two adorable cotton-top tamarin twins were born last month. These little primates are critically endangered, which means they are at great risk of disappearing from the wild. There are believed to be fewer than 2,000 of these unique monkeys left in their natural habitat in northern Colombia. The twins were born to first-time parents, Febe, who is 2 years old, and Santiago, who is 3 years old. The zoo staff have been observing how well the young couple is co-parenting their babies. This is a wonderful sight because in the wild, cotton-top tamarins live in close-knit social groups where everyone helps take care of the young. This cooperative care is essential for the survival of the species. Senior animal keeper Emma Sweetland expressed her joy, stating, 'These twins are not just adorable additions to our zoo family, they represent a vital step forward in the fight against species extinction. ' The birth of these twins is a significant milestone for the conservation efforts aimed at protecting this critically endangered species. At birth, the twins weighed about the same as a chicken egg, which shows just how tiny they are. Cotton-top tamarins are known for their fluffy white hair that stands up when they get excited, giving them their name. The zoo is dedicated to ensuring that these little monkeys receive the best care possible. The staff is working hard to create a safe and nurturing environment for the twins to grow up in. They are also committed to educating visitors about the importance of protecting endangered species like the cotton-top tamarins. By sharing their story, the zoo hopes to inspire people to take action in preserving wildlife and their habitats. The cotton-top tamarins are not just cute animals; they symbolize the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect our planet's biodiversity. The zoo's efforts to raise awareness about these endangered primates are crucial in the fight against extinction. As the twins grow, they will become ambassadors for their species, helping to raise awareness about the challenges faced by cotton-top tamarins and other endangered animals.