New Hope for Critically Endangered Pied Tamarins at Chattanooga Zoo

The Chattanooga Zoo in Tennessee is celebrating an important milestone this year with the birth of pied tamarin twins. On April 8, Daphne, a female tamarin, welcomed a pair of twins, marking the zoo's second set of new arrivals in 2025. This is a significant event considering the critically endangered status of the pied tamarins and the ongoing challenges they face in the wild.

While one of the newborns is healthy and thriving, the other unfortunately did not survive, a stark reminder of the high infant mortality rates often seen in tamarin species. Despite the grief this brings, it does not come as a surprise to the dedicated animal care and veterinary teams, who understand the realities of wildlife conservation.

With this new birth, the Chattanooga Zoo now houses 11 pied tamarins, making it home to the second-largest population of this species in the U.S., representing 25 percent of the total pied tamarin population in the country. This expansion is crucial as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists these primates as critically endangered, with numerous threats including habitat loss due to deforestation and urbanization.

"Pied tamarins were first classified as endangered in 1990 and were elevated to critically endangered status in 2003," noted Lacey Hickle, the zoo's general curator. "IUCN predicts a further reduction of 80% or more over the next two decades, making the future of this species uncertain." Hickle's words illuminate the urgency of conservation efforts as urban sprawl increasingly encroaches on the tamarins' rainforest home near Manaus, Brazil.

"If the population in the wild continues to decrease, zoos may be pivotal in saving the species from extinction," Hickle added. "Those of us here are committed to creating a sanctuary that not only nurtures these beautiful creatures but also fosters the hope for future reintroduction to their natural habitat."

As part of its mission, Chattanooga Zoo is not just focused on the tamarins but is involved with multiple conservation organizations including Proyecto Titi and Rainforest Trust. Their efforts contribute to the larger global fight to protect endangered species while providing visitors with opportunities to connect with wildlife, fostering appreciation and awareness.

As the Chattanooga Zoo continues to support these tiny New World monkeys, the hope is that their efforts will inspire others to take action and aid in the conservation of endangered species. How can you contribute to wildlife preservation?

We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below and explore how we can all play a role in securing the future of our planet's wildlife.

• Chattanoogan Zoo
• Endangered Species
• pied tamarin