Two monkeys from a critically endangered species have been born at Chester Zoo, helping the species to survive.
Parents Leo and Treat gave birth to the two cotton-top tamarin monkeys after a pregnancy lasting five months. The zoo said they were about as big as golf balls at birth, with them measuring just 10 cm from the top of the tail to the head and weighing around 40g.
The zoo’s animal and plant director, Mike Jordan, said that the species is extremely rare, so the twins’ arrival was especially significant. He said the new arrivals were thriving as Leo and Treat shared their parental obligations, adding:
“It’s still early days, so the babies are too tiny for us to confidently determine if each of them is male or female but, in a few months’ time, we’ll know for sure when they grow in confidence and start to branch out and explore the treetops on their own.”
Conservationists at the zoo said that cotton-top tamarins were named after the prominent white mane running from the shoulders to the forehead, with it resembling a ball of fluffy cotton. Cotton-top tamarins have a distinctive appearance and apply a system of over 38 distinct vocalisations and a variety of facial expressions to defend their territory, call their young, and warn of predators.
Chester Zoo, known for its great conservation work, is just one of the many attractions that brings people to Chester. If you’re looking for a place to live in the area, you can find young professional accommodation in Chester at affordable rates.
Written by Henry
