Walt Disney World has announced the birth of a set of critically endangered Cotton-Top Tamarin triplets at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and here’s what you need to know.
The Details
This trio of baby Tamarins joins the pair that were born in June 2023, and can be seen as part of the family that can be found at Discovery Island inside of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Dr Mark Penning, VP of Disney’s Animals, Science & Environment department, says, “These tiny babies have spent the last several days bonding with their parents and siblings. In fact, both mom and dad share infant care responsibilities, carrying their young on their backs until approximately 14 weeks of age.”
It’s too soon to know if they’re male or female, so the Disney Animal Care team hasn’t chosen names yet for the little ones.
About Cotton-Top Tamarins
Cotton-top tamarin monkeys are considered a rare species with less than 7,500 remaining in the wild. They are critically endangered because of the illegal pet trade, as well as extensive deforestation and loss of habitat.
The species is native to Colombia, and typically found in the tropical forests of the northwest region of the country.
These primates live high in the treetops and forage through the canopy for the fruits and insects that make up most of their diet.
Fully grown, adult cotton-top tamarins weigh less than a pound and are about the size of a squirrel. The babies are currently about four inches long and the weight of a small chicken egg.
Cotton-top tamarins are known for the wild manes of bright-white hair atop their heads, and they’re highly intelligent, using at least 38 distinct calls in their vocal repertoire to communicate with each other.
