Critically endangered pied tamarin twins were born on 29 September to parents Bobby and Pedra at Shaldon Wildlife Trust in Devon, marking a rare conservation milestone for one of the most endangered primates in South America.
The arrival of the twin infants represents an unbelievable proud moment for the compact accredited zoo in Devon. Because pied tamarins can be quite delicate, shy, and sensitive in their initial weeks of life, the keeping staff kept things extra quiet to provide mom, dad, and the newborns with plenty of calm and uninterrupted bonding time.
The existence of the newborns was kept a secret for five weeks while they matured. Now at 5 weeks old, both tiny babies are strong, active, and doing brilliantly, having started to hitch rides on their parents’ backs and peek out at the world as they explore their habitat. Zak Showell, director of Shaldon Wildlife Trust, noted that breeding the species presents a significant challenge.
For a zoo of our size to achieve this and to be one of just two European zoos to manage it this year is an unbelievable proud moment for our small team.
Zak Showell, Director, Shaldon Wildlife Trust
Breeding Success and Conservation Significance Across Europe
Raising the twin infants marks an enormous milestone for the Devon site, which is located in Teignmouth and is one of the UK’s smallest accredited zoos.
Shaldon Wildlife Trust said that both Bobby and Pedra are doing an exceptional job sharing parenting duties, noting that tamarin dads are famous for carrying the babies, and that the little duo is starting to peek out at the world.
