Cotton-top tamarins back on exhibit with two new babies at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is excited to announce that the cotton-top tamarins are back on exhibit. Now located next to the Herpetarium, the group consists of an adult male and female, two adolescents that were born in 2015, and two infants that were born February 6, 2016. The whole family is currently available for viewing daily during Zoo hours 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Cotton-top tamarins are small monkeys found in the tropical rainforest areas of northwest Columbia. They are one of several species at the Zoo that are involved in the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP). SSP's are managed breeding programs for individual species that are vanishing from the wild.

"Cotton-top tamarins are engaging animals," said Philip Flynn III, Zoo President & CEO. "Not only does this second birth in as many years contribute to the cotton-top SSP, but they are important ambassadors for their wild counterparts. It is our hope that Zoo guests will want to learn more about the dedicated conservation efforts for this animal and how they can help."

Cotton-top tamarins are monogamous breeders and provide extensive parental care, including carrying their babies on their backs. Among their many dynamic social behaviors is their participation in a system of parenting in which individuals other than the parents act in a parental role, called alloparenting. The adolescent monkeys born last year will help their parents raise this year's young. This allows the adolescents to prepare for parenthood.

Cotton-top tamarins are one of the most endangered primates in the world. After a decline in wild population numbers, the species was declared endangered in 1973. Today, their greatest threat is due to deforestation for agriculture, fuel, and housing. Zoos are instrumental in helping restore native populations and educating the public about their plight.

- Special to the Herald