Incredibly rare primate gives birth to twins at Florida zoo. See the ‘adorable’ babies
Two new exceptionally rare babies are ready for double trouble at a Florida zoo after their landmark birth earlier this year.
Luna, the matriarch of a cotton-top tamarin troop gave birth to twins in early January, marking an important step in preserving the species, the Brevard Zoo announced in Jan. 16 news release.
“All troop members have been doing well with this big change so far!” the zoo said. “The little ones have been observed clinging to all family members, and the troop has also been helping groom them.”
Primate troops, or groups of animals that live and travel together, are often led by their strongest female member, according to anthropologists from Arizona State University.
Cotton-top tamarins, also called cotton-headed tamarins, are native to the rainforests of Colombia, but their numbers have plummeted, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
The species was listed as “critically endangered” on the IUCN Red List in 2021, meaning there are fewer than 2,000 adults in the wild.
“Due to habitat loss and the pet trade, this species is one of the most endangered primates on the planet,” the zoo said in a Jan. 16 Facebook post. “This means every individual, including our two newest additions, are critical successes for the future of the species.”
The zoo said its keepers knew Luna was expecting, and made necessary arrangements for her pregnancy and birth to be a success.
The keepers have stayed out of the enclosure as much as possible and set up barriers to prevent any disruptions to the adjusting primate troop, the zoo said.
“We want to provide the tamarins with as much quiet time as possible to allow them to bond with the family group,” area supervisor of primates Michelle Johnston said in the release.
In order to allow that bonding time, the keepers have not been able to examine the babies closely to check for their sex, the zoo said.
For now, they have joined their brothers — Rudy, Archie and Albie — and are exploring their habitat.
“Saw them this weekend. You just can’t stop watching them. So adorable,” one zoo guest commented on Facebook.
“Awww loving on mama! I can’t wait to see Luna’s babies!” another wrote.
Brevard Zoo is in Melbourne, about 60 miles southeast of Orlando.
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