Twice The Joy: Endangered Cotton-top Tamarin Twins Bring Hope At Marwell Zoo
In a heartwarming triumph for conservation, Marwell Zoo in Hampshire is celebrating the arrival of cotton-top tamarin twins—a rare and critically endangered species—just in time for National Siblings Day. With only about 2,000 mature adults left in the wild, every new birth is a beacon of hope for these charismatic primates hailing from Colombia's dwindling forests.
The tiny twins—born to parents Gurt and Mico on April 3—are the third set of offspring for the devoted pair. This brings Marwell’s tamarin troop to seven strong, each member playing an essential role in the infants' upbringing. As Eleanor Done, Primates Keeper at Marwell, notes, “Our cotton-top tamarins are a strong family unit and they are all working well together.” This remarkable family cooperation is a distinctive trait of cotton-top tamarins, where group members take turns carrying the newborns on their backs and bellies, ensuring constant warmth and safety.
Unlike many primates, it’s common for cotton-top tamarins and their callitrichid relatives to give birth to non-identical twins. At birth, these delicate creatures measure a mere 10 cm (4 inches) from head to tail, quickly becoming explorers in their own right as they forage for insects and nectar in their lush habitat. Keen-eyed visitors may even spot them sporting a yellow dusting on their noses—evidence of their enthusiastic nectar drinking among Mexican orange blossom flowers!
The birth's timing is serendipitous, coinciding with a festive program at Marwell Zoo inviting families to celebrate wildlife from around the globe. The twins will soon be named after characters from The Addams Family, following the tradition set by their siblings—Pubert, Pugsley, and Fester—through a lively public vote.
Beyond the adorable spectacle lies a serious mission. As Ms. Done reiterates, “This species is critically endangered, mainly due to deforestation, habitat destruction, and the illegal pet trade in Colombia. The fact that Marwell has successfully bred the species for a third time is really important, helping to maintain genetic diversity in the European ex situ population.” Marwell’s efforts are part of a coordinated European breeding program designed to give the cotton-top tamarin—a jewel of the neotropical forests—a fighting chance.
Visitors to Marwell not only witness these endearing tamarins but also contribute directly to vital global conservation projects, from protecting snow leopards to safeguarding Grevy’s zebras. It’s a reminder that even small creatures can make a big difference in sparking compassion and change.
Will these newest arrivals inspire a new generation of wildlife champions? Have you ever witnessed an animal family showing such teamwork? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below, and join the conversation on how best to protect Earth’s rarest inhabitants!