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'Extra special' tamarin twins born at zoo

By · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The twins were born on 29 September to parents Bobby and Pedra at the Devon zoo, which is one of the smallest accredited sites in the UK. Keepers initially withheld news of the arrivals for several weeks to provide the new family with uninterrupted peace and reduce stress. The infants are thriving and have started riding on their parents' backs to explore their enclosure. In their native South America, wild populations remain threatened as their rainforest habitat around Manaus, Brazil, continues to shrink.

Key points

  • The birth represents a rare conservation achievement for one of South America's most thre…: The birth represents a rare conservation achievement for one of South America's most threatened primate species.
  • Successful breeding requires specialized care and low-stress environments due to the deli…: Successful breeding requires specialized care and low-stress environments due to the delicate nature of pied tamarins.
  • Wild pied tamarins face severe survival pressures in a shrinking pocket of rainforest sur…: Wild pied tamarins face severe survival pressures in a shrinking pocket of rainforest surrounding Manaus, Brazil.

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- Published

One of the UK's smallest accredited zoos is celebrating after "extra special" pied tamarin twins were born at the site.

Shaldon Wildlife Trust, in Devon, said the critically endangered twins were born on 29 September to mum Bobby and dad Pedra. Its director, Zak Showell, said it was a "challenge" to breed the species.

The trust said the animals were among the most endangered primates in South America. Bosses said the infants were "thriving" and had started to hitch rides on their parents' backs as they explored their habitat.

Showell said: "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."

"It has been an incredible year for births here at Shaldon, but these twins are extra special," he said.

"Pied tamarins are exceptionally delicate animals, and breeding them successfully is a challenge."

The trust said the primates required "stress-free environments and specialist care".

It said zoo keepers intentionally kept the news of the arrivals under…

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